After Government Ultimatum, Manipur Sees 87 Illegal Weapons Surrendered Across Seven Districts; Security Crackdown Begins

Security forces in Manipur received 87 firearms and ammunition across seven districts, as part of ongoing efforts to restore normalcy in the violence-hit state, police officials confirmed on Wednesday (26 February), as reported by The Hindu.

The highest number of weapons were surrendered in Imphal West, which included 12 carbine machine guns with magazines, two .303 rifles, two self-loading rifles (SLRs), four 12-bore single-barrel guns, and an improvised explosive device (IED).

In Jiribam district, the surrendered weapons included five 12-bore double-barrel guns, a 9mm carbine with a magazine, and a grenade.

In Kangpokpi, an AK-47 rifle with two magazines, a .303 rifle, a Smith & Wesson revolver, a .22 pistol with a magazine, a single-barrel rifle, and grenades were among the arms handed over to security forces.

Weapons were also surrendered in Bishnupur, Thoubal, Imphal East, and Churachandpur on Tuesday as authorities intensified measures to recover arms looted during the ethnic conflict that has gripped the state since May 2023.

The development follows an appeal by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on 20 February, urging armed groups to voluntarily surrender weapons looted from security forces and other illegally held arms. 

The Governor assured that no punitive action would be taken against those who complied within a seven-day period.

With the deadline now expired, Chief Secretary P K Singh announced on Sunday that security forces would begin taking action against those still in possession of illegal firearms.

The conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has resulted in over 250 deaths and the displacement of thousands since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023.

In response to the deteriorating law and order situation, the Centre imposed President’s Rule in Manipur on 13 February, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The State Assembly, which remains valid until 2027, has been placed under suspended animation.