Surrender looted, illegally-held weapons within 7 days or face strict action: Manipur Governor's ultimatum – The Times of India
NEW DELHI: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Thursday issued an ultimatum to the people of the state urging them to surrender illegally held weapons within the next seven days. In a letter addressed to residents of both the Valley and Hills, Bhalla called for an end to hostilities and a return to normalcy.
He appealed particularly to the youth, urging them to voluntarily return looted or illegally possessed weapons to the nearest police station, security outpost, or camp. “Your single act of returning these weapons can be a powerful gesture towards ensuring peace. I want to assure you that no punitive action would be initiated if such weapons are returned within the stipulated time. Thereafter, strict action will be taken for possession of such weapons,” he warned.
“People of Manipur, both in Valley and Hills, have suffered immense hardship for the last over 20 months due to a series of unfortunate incidents affecting peace and communal harmony. In the greater interest of restoring normalcy, so that people can return to their normal day-to-day activities, all communities in the State must come forward to ensure cessation of hostilities and maintenance of peace & order in the society,” the governor said.
The ultimatum comes amid ongoing violence and security operations in Manipur, where security forces have been conducting widespread crackdowns on militant groups. In recent operations, authorities have arrested multiple militants, including members of the United Kuki National Army and the banned Kangleipak Communist Party.
Over the last two days, security forces seized a significant cache of arms and ammunition, including rifles, pistols, grenades, and mortars, from various districts. The rising stockpiling of illegal weapons has been a major concern for authorities, leading to repeated calls for disarmament.
The imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13 has further intensified security measures in the state. The decision came following the resignation of chief minister N Biren Singh, who stepped down amid prolonged ethnic violence that has claimed over 250 lives since May 2023. The state government had earlier withdrawn from the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Kuki National Army and other armed groups, leading to renewed clashes.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a Meitei civil society group, criticised the move as “undemocratic” and an attempt to destabilise the state further. In contrast, the Kuki Inpi, the apex body of Kuki tribes, welcomed it as a “necessary intervention” and reiterated their demand for a separate administration under Article 239(A) of the Constitution.
