Surrender Looted Weapons Within 7 Days: Governor’s Ultimatum To Manipur People

Imphal: Governor Ajay Bhalla called on people from all communities of Manipur to surrender looted and illegally held weapons within seven days, assuring that no punitive action would be taken against those who comply with the ultimatum.

“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,” the Governor said in an official statement.

Bhalla pointed out that for more than 20 months, the people of Manipur — both in the valley and the hills — have faced great hardships due to a series of distressing events that have disrupted communal harmony.

“It is in this regard that I sincerely request people of all communities, particularly the youths in the Valley and Hills, to voluntarily come forward and surrender the looted and illegally held weapons and ammunition to the nearest police station, outpost, security forces camp within the next seven days, with effect from today. 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,” the statement elaborated.

Manipur came under President’s rule a week ago, days after N Biren Singh resigned as chief minister of the northeastern state which has been ravaged by ethnic violence from May 2023.

Clashes between the majority Meitei community in Imphal Valley and Kuki-Zo tribal groups in the surrounding hills have led to the loss of 250 lives and displacement of thousands of people.