Manipur witnesses significant arms surrender as combing operations intensify post-deadline
Imphal, March 7: In a significant move aimed at restoring peace in violence-hit Manipur, local residents voluntarily handed over 196 arms along with ammunition and other items to security forces on the final day of an extended deadline. This step came after Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla provided an extended timeline until 4 pm on March 6, responding to appeals from various communities in both hill and valley regions.
The surrendered weapons were collected across eight districts—Bishnupur, Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, Jiribam, Churachandpur, and Pherzawl—as per a police statement issued on Friday. The voluntary surrender was initiated to curb the illegal possession of arms, primarily looted from security forces during recent ethnic clashes.
Following the expiry of the surrender deadline, joint security teams conducted intensive combing operations throughout several regions of Manipur. These operations led to the recovery of an additional 36 arms, 129 rounds of ammunition, seven explosive devices, and 21 miscellaneous items.
Illegal Bunkers Dismantled in Kangpokpi District
Security personnel intensified their crackdown on unauthorized defensive structures, destroying a total of 15 illegal bunkers in Kangpokpi district alone. Twelve bunkers were demolished in the K Langnom and Khengjang areas, while three additional structures were dismantled in Haraothel, further indicating the administration's commitment to re-establishing security and stability.
Administration's Appeal and Assurance
Earlier, on February 20, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla had urged armed groups and citizens to voluntarily hand over looted and illegally held weapons within seven days. The deadline was later extended until March 6 after public demands from both the hill and valley regions, providing residents a final chance to participate in peace restoration without facing punitive measures.
The administration had clearly stated, "This is the last opportunity for everyone concerned to contribute to peace, communal harmony, the future of our youth, and the security of our society."
During the initial seven-day surrender period, residents primarily from valley districts had already submitted over 300 weapons to authorities, marking a promising start in the peace-building process.
Ongoing Ethnic Violence Crisis
Since May 2023, ethnic clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities have led to the deaths of over 250 people and displaced thousands. The prolonged violence forced the Centre to impose President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. Consequently, the state assembly remains under suspended animation despite its original tenure extending until 2027.
The recent voluntary arms surrender and intensified combing operations underscore efforts by the authorities to restore normalcy in Manipur amid ongoing communal tensions.
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