Manipur Governor Urges Surrender of Illegal Weapons, Warns of Strict Action

This directive comes amid intensified security operations in the state, with authorities cracking down on militant groups.

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has issued a seven-day ultimatum for residents to hand over illegally acquired weapons. In an appeal to both the Valley and Hills communities, he emphasized the need for peace. He urged individuals—especially the youth—to return looted or unauthorized firearms to the nearest police station, security post, or camp.

“Returning these weapons is a crucial step toward restoring peace. I assure you that no punitive action will be taken if they are surrendered within the given time-frame. Still, beyond this period, strict measures will be enforced,” Bhalla stated.

The governor acknowledged the hardships faced by Manipur’s people over the past 20 months due to ongoing violence and disturbances. He called on all communities to work toward ending hostilities and reinstating normal life.

This directive comes amid intensified security operations in the state, with authorities cracking down on militant groups. Recent raids have led to multiple arrests. Arrested individuals include members of the United Kuki National Army and the banned Kangleipak Communist Party. Security forces have also seized a large cache of arms, including rifles, pistols, grenades, and mortars.

The situation in Manipur escalated after the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13, following Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned amid ongoing ethnic violence, which has claimed over 250 lives since May 2023. The state government decided to withdraw from the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with armed groups. This decision resulted in renewed clashes.

The response to these developments has been divided. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a Meitei civil society organization, has criticized the move as undemocratic and destabilizing. Meanwhile, the Kuki Inpi stands for the Kuki tribes. They have supported the decision. They view it as a necessary step toward their demand for a separate administration under Article 239(A) of the Constitution.