Manipur Government Reports Recovery of More Firearms Than Those Looted During Violence

More firearms seized by security forces than those looted: Manipur Home Minister on ethnic violence

PTI, March 11, 2026, Imphal : Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam on Wednesday said the number of firearms seized by security forces is much higher than those looted at the onset of ethnic violence in the state.

Konthoujam, who is in charge of the Home Department, made the statement in the Assembly while responding to Congress Legislature Party leader Keisham Meghachandra's queries on issues related to illegal immigrants, seizure of firearms, and the path to peace.

"The number of firearms seized by security forces is higher than the number of firearms looted. A total of 6,020 firearms have been looted, while 7,437 firearms have been recovered."

"Since Manipur has porous borders, there have been instances of smuggling of illegal firearms from other countries. This is why the international border is being fenced to stop such illegal activities. Under the guidance of the Home Ministry, the state government is trying to recover every firearm looted from government armouries," the minister said.

Konthoujam said the government is holding regular meetings with stakeholders and has intensified security measures to restore peace and normalcy. The government firmly believes that disarming all those who are armed will lead to normalcy, he said.

"Extortion-related calls, even those coming from outside the state, are being monitored. We are trying to build trust and confidence among people to remove the fear psychosis. However, due to the ethnic clashes, there are still reservations among people on moving freely within the state," the minister said.