Imphal, February 28: Responding to appeals from residents across both valley and hill regions, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has extended the deadline for the voluntary surrender of illegal and looted arms until 4 PM on March 6, according to an official statement released Friday.
Governor Bhalla noted, "Upon the expiry of the seven-day deadline for voluntary arms surrender, numerous requests emerged from both valley and hill communities seeking additional time. Considering these appeals, I have extended the deadline to 4 PM on March 6."
He emphasized that individuals surrendering arms within this extended timeframe would not face punitive action. The Governor also underscored the gravity of this extension by stating, "This is the last opportunity for everyone concerned to contribute positively towards peace, communal harmony, securing the future of our youth, and ensuring the overall safety of our society."
Initially, Governor Bhalla had set a seven-day deadline beginning February 20, urging conflicting groups to voluntarily return weapons that had been looted from security forces or were otherwise illegally possessed. This initial period concluded on Thursday, resulting in the surrender of over 300 weapons, predominantly from residents of the valley districts.
The decision comes amid ongoing ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, a crisis that has claimed the lives of more than 250 individuals and displaced thousands since May 2023.
The Central Government imposed President’s rule in Manipur on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. Consequently, the state assembly, whose tenure extends until 2027, currently remains under suspended animation.
Governor Bhalla's extension offers a critical window for further arms recovery, representing a step towards stabilization amid persistent unrest.
