New Delhi: 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.
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‘Come forward, choose peace’
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.
(Edited by Tikli Basu)
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