As Manipur governor gives 7-day ultimatum to surrender arms, forces poised for ‘all out’ recovery operation

Surrender looted, illegal weapons within 7 days: Manipur governor’s appeal to people- Guv

PTI, February 20, 2025, New Delhi: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has urged the people of the strife-torn state to voluntarily surrender looted and illegally held weapons within seven days, assuring no punitive action would be initiated against those giving up arms during this period.

However, Bhalla asserted that “strict action” would be taken after the expiry of the seven days.
“People of Manipur, both in the 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,” he said in an appeal issued on Thursday.

He said all communities in the state must come forward to ensure cessation of hostilities and maintenance of peace and order in the society so that people can return to their normal day-to-day activities.

“It is in this regard that I sincerely request the people of all communities, particularly the youths in the valley and hills, to voluntarily come forward and surrender looted and illegally held weapons and ammunition to the nearest police station/outpost/security forces camp within next seven days, effective from today,” he said.

The governor said this single act of returning 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 said.

The Centre had imposed President’s rule in Manipur on February 13, days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from his post led to political uncertainty in the northeastern state.

The Manipur assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. 

Agencies:  A week after President’s Rule was imposed in restive Manipur, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has called for people both in the valley and the hills to voluntarily surrender looted and illegally held weapons and ammunition in the next seven days.

The order also said no punitive action would be initiated if weapons are returned in the given time period. “Thereafter, strict action will be taken for possession of such weapons,” Bhalla said in the order.

Over 5,682 weapons, including more than 200 AK-47s, 406 carbines, 551 INSAS rifles, and 250 machine guns, besides over 6.5 lakh rounds of ammunition, have been looted from police armouries and stations over the last two years, primarily in the Meitei-dominated Imphal valley. There have been no substantial recoveries, leaving a significant cache in the hands of local residents, which has exacerbated the cycle of violence from May 2023.

Speaking to ThePrint, a source in the security establishment said the purpose of this order was to give the people yet another chance to surrender arms. The source added that after seven days, forces would go “all out” to recover weapons.

“This is an appeal to the people, a way to show them the government is not an adversary. However, despite warnings and multiple chances, those who continue to break the law will be held accountable,” the source said, adding that after seven days, a coordinated operation would begin to seize weapons, with teams already in place for the task.

“The forces, including the police, have formed specialised teams to carry out disarmament efforts across the state. Cordon and search operations will be conducted across districts in both hills and the valley. This issue is a serious menace and must be addressed on priority. Strict action will be taken against perpetrators,” the source said.

A similar order was issued by former chief minister Biren Singh in September 2023, but did not yield any result as the state continued to be plagued by violence, including incidents of firing and weapon looting.

Bhalla also appealed for peace, saying all communities must come forward to ensure cessation of hostilities and resume their daily routine.

“People of Manipur, both in the 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,” the order said.

The Governor further said the single act of returning these weapons would be a powerful gesture towards ensuring peace in the northeastern state which has witnessed sustained violence for nearly two years between the Christian tribals who live in the hills and the Hindu Meitei community in the valley.

He further said the government was committed to ensuring a peaceful resolution of the situation and safeguarding the future of its youth. “Let’s rebuild our state together with hope and trust for a brighter future. Come forward, choose peace,” the order said.