Crackdown On Illegal Arms In Manipur: Nearly 1,000 Weapons Surrendered After Governor’s Ultimatum
The stockpile of explosives surrendered was even more alarming. Authorities received 366 grenades, 230 crude bombs, and 10 IEDs, each capable of causing devastating destruction.
After months of violence and unrest, the Manipur government, under the President’s Rule, has made significant recoveries of weapons over the past three weeks. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla had issued a strong appeal, urging those in possession of illegal arms to surrender immediately. The appeal was accompanied by an ultimatum—failure to comply would result in strict action.
According to a government official, the response was overwhelming. In the days that followed, security forces recorded the surrender of approximately 990 firearms, including sophisticated assault rifles and handguns. Alongside these weapons, 11,526 rounds of ammunition were handed over, significantly reducing the immediate threat of further conflict.
related stories
- Manipur Naga MLAs Call On Governor, Pledge Support For Peace & Stability
- 6 Spectacular Road Trips In India
- Frustrated With Military Ambush & LeT Operative’s Killing, ISI Planning Attacks In J&K, Forces Told | Exclusive
- Tensions Erupt In Bengal's Birbhum After Violence On Holi, Internet Suspended Till March 17
The stockpile of explosives surrendered was even more alarming. Authorities received 366 grenades, 230 crude bombs, and 10 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), each capable of causing devastating destruction. Security personnel have been working to safely dispose of these explosives, ensuring they do not fall into the wrong hands again.
On 20 February 2025, Governor Bhalla issued a seven-day ultimatum for locals to surrender looted and illegally held weapons. He assured that no action would be taken against those who complied within this period but warned of strict measures thereafter.
Although the deadline was extended, security forces have now begun operations against miscreants still in possession of weapons. Close to 5,800 firearms and approximately six lakh rounds of ammunition were missing after being looted by miscreants from various police stations and armouries.
According to a senior official, as the next step towards reopening the roads, the administration is focusing on encouraging members of the Meitei and Kuki communities to travel through areas dominated by the other group. However, there have been massive protests against the reopening of roads and the movement of groups into each other’s areas.
Meiteis are being encouraged to use the hill route to travel to Nagaland and other regions, while Kukis are being encouraged to travel to the valley. Those who wish to travel to each other’s areas will be provided with police escorts and protection, and buses will be deployed from various locations.
The official also stated that this system was introduced in December, but following a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, it will now be given greater emphasis.
“There are people who want to travel to Imphal for the airport, as well as locals who previously travelled to Nagaland via the hill areas. However, this was disrupted due to the ongoing violence. Now, the administration will either operate buses or provide protection for those who wish to use private vehicles to travel to each other’s areas. We are hopeful that people will gradually start using these services. At present, hardly anyone is doing so," another senior official told News18.
The Centre had imposed President’s rule in Manipur on February 13 after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned. The state assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.
- Location :
- First Published: