Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has issued a stern directive urging individuals across all communities to surrender looted and illegally held weapons and ammunition within the next seven days. The appeal comes amid ongoing ethnic unrest in the northeastern state, which has been under President’s rule since February 9.
In an official statement released on Thursday, Governor Bhalla assured that no punitive action would be taken against those who voluntarily return such arms within the given deadline. However, he warned that strict measures would be enforced against individuals found in possession of looted or illegal weapons after the period expires.
To restore peace and normalcy in the state, Governor of Manipur, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, has urged the people, especially the youth, to voluntarily surrender looted and illegally held weapons. pic.twitter.com/z3YFhl7NVS
— RAJ BHAVAN MANIPUR (@RajBhavManipur) February 20, 2025
“People of Manipur, both in valley and hills, have suffered immense hardship for 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 and order in society,” said Governor Bhalla.
He particularly urged the youth from both the valley and the hills to step forward and surrender weapons to the nearest police station, outpost, or security forces camp.
“Your single act of returning these weapons can be a powerful gesture towards ensuring peace,” he added.
Weapons Amnesty and Government Commitment
Reiterating the government’s commitment to a peaceful resolution, Bhalla assured that no action would be taken against individuals surrendering weapons within the stipulated period. However, once the deadline passes, law enforcement will take strict action against those found in possession of unauthorized arms.
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“The government is committed to ensuring a peaceful resolution of the situation and safeguarding the future of our youth. Let us rebuild our state together with hope and trust for a brighter future. Come forward and choose peace,” the Governor urged.
Arms Looting in Manipur: A Major Concern
Following the outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3, 2023, an estimated 6,000 firearms were looted from police stations and armories across Manipur. According to official sources, around 4,000 weapons remain unaccounted for, posing a significant security threat in the region.
Among the recovered weapons are American-origin M series assault rifles. However, only 30 percent of the looted firearms have been retrieved so far, police sources revealed.
A Union Home Ministry official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that “sophisticated weapons looted from state armories have made their way into the ongoing ethnic conflict, posing fresh challenges for security agencies.”
President’s Rule and Political Developments
Manipur has been under President’s rule since Chief Minister N Biren Singh and his council of ministers resigned on February 9. Following their resignation, the Governor placed the state assembly under suspended animation, rendering MLAs active but without legislative powers.
The state, which shares an open border with Myanmar, has been the epicenter of ethnic clashes between the Meitei community and the Kuki tribal groups for nearly two years. The ongoing turmoil has resulted in significant loss of life, property destruction, and mass displacement of civilians.
Path to Stability: Surrendering Weapons and Ensuring Security
With thousands of weapons still in circulation, security experts believe that disarmament is crucial for restoring order in Manipur. The Governor’s call for voluntary surrender is seen as a crucial step in de-escalating tensions and ensuring the safety of all communities.
Authorities are now closely monitoring compliance with the order, and any failure to return illegal weapons within the deadline may lead to intensified security operations.
As Manipur navigates through this period of uncertainty, the state government and security agencies remain committed to bringing peace and stability back to the region.
