The Crossbill News Desk
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has issued an appeal to all communities in the state, urging them to surrender looted and illegally held weapons to the nearest security establishments within the next seven days.
On Thursday (February 20), he assured that no punitive action would be taken against those who voluntarily return the weapons during this period.
However, he warned that strict action would follow against anyone found in possession of such arms after the deadline.
The appeal comes in the wake of ongoing armed conflicts that have gripped the state since May 2023. Over 6,000 weapons were reportedly looted from state armouries during the violence, with sporadic attempts to seize more arms continuing even after 21 months.
In the most recent incident on February 8, unidentified individuals looted six Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs) and three AK-series weapons from a police outpost in Thoubal district.
However, police managed to recover the stolen arms the next day. Despite the recovery of over 1,200 looted weapons so far, a large number remain unaccounted for and in circulation.
“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 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 will be initiated if such weapons are returned within the stipulated time. Thereafter, strict action will be taken for possession of such weapons,” the Governor stated in his appeal.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to resolving the situation peacefully, Bhalla urged citizens to contribute to rebuilding the state.
“The government is committed to ensuring a peaceful resolution of the situation and safeguarding the future of our youths. Let us rebuild our state together with hope and trust for a brighter future. Come forward and choose peace,” the statement added.
Authorities have intensified efforts to recover looted arms, with security forces maintaining a close watch on vulnerable areas.
The state government hopes that this voluntary surrender initiative will help curb violence and restore normalcy in Manipur.
On Thursday (February 20), he assured that no punitive action would be taken against those who voluntarily return the weapons during this period.
However, he warned that strict action would follow against anyone found in possession of such arms after the deadline.
The appeal comes in the wake of ongoing armed conflicts that have gripped the state since May 2023. Over 6,000 weapons were reportedly looted from state armouries during the violence, with sporadic attempts to seize more arms continuing even after 21 months.
In the most recent incident on February 8, unidentified individuals looted six Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs) and three AK-series weapons from a police outpost in Thoubal district.
However, police managed to recover the stolen arms the next day. Despite the recovery of over 1,200 looted weapons so far, a large number remain unaccounted for and in circulation.
“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 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 will be initiated if such weapons are returned within the stipulated time. Thereafter, strict action will be taken for possession of such weapons,” the Governor stated in his appeal.
To restore peace and normalcy in the state, Governor of Manipur, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, has urged the people, especially the youth, to voluntarily surrender looted and illegally held weapons. pic.twitter.com/z3YFhl7NVS
— RAJ BHAVAN MANIPUR (@RajBhavManipur) February 20, 2025
Reiterating the government’s commitment to resolving the situation peacefully, Bhalla urged citizens to contribute to rebuilding the state.
“The government is committed to ensuring a peaceful resolution of the situation and safeguarding the future of our youths. Let us rebuild our state together with hope and trust for a brighter future. Come forward and choose peace,” the statement added.
Authorities have intensified efforts to recover looted arms, with security forces maintaining a close watch on vulnerable areas.
The state government hopes that this voluntary surrender initiative will help curb violence and restore normalcy in Manipur.
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