In a turn of events amidst ongoing conflict, residents in five districts of Manipur surrendered 42 weapons and ammunition this Sunday. Previously, some arms had already been handed over. According to a police official, the firearms were turned in from districts including Imphal West, Imphal East, Churachandpur, Bishnupur, and Tamenglong. In particular, Bishnupur district saw the surrender of two pistols, six grenades, and over 75 rounds of ammunition.
Source: aajtak
At the Nungba police station in Tamenglong, local communities submitted 17 musket guns, nine 'Pompi' locally-made mortars, and accompanying ammunition, as reported by a police official. Furthermore, about 10 additional firearms and ammunition were surrendered at police stations across Yaingangpokpi, Porompat, Churachandpur, and Lamshang.
Source: aajtak
Some Weapons Also Seized
During a search operation in Sairemkhul, Imphal West, a loaded magazine with 20 rounds of ammunition was seized along with an INSAS LMG, an AK-56 rifle, three SLR rifles, an SMG 9mm carbine, a .303 rifle, a DBBL gun, four grenades without detonators, a Chinese hand grenade, and other materials.
Security forces dismantled two illicit bunkers at Thinghat Hill in the Kangpokpi district. Additionally, on Saturday, three further illegal bunkers were destroyed near Wakan Hill in the vicinity of Kangpokpi and Imphal East.
Also Read: 'Reopen All Roads in Manipur, Dismantle Drug Networks...', Home Minister Amit Shah's Key Points in Review Meeting
Martial Law in the State
On February 20, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla urged groups in conflict to voluntarily surrender arms looted from security forces and other illegally held firearms within a week. Throughout this period, more than 300 firearms were surrendered, mainly from valley districts.
Following requests from both hill and valley regions for additional time, the deadline for surrendering stolen and illicit firearms was extended to March 6 by 4 PM.
Also Read: Looted Items Surrendered by Meitei Group in Manipur, Includes 246 Weapons, Boots, Helmets
Violence Persists Since 2023
Since May 2023, ethnic strife between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has claimed over 250 lives, leaving thousands displaced. Acknowledging the worsening situation, the central government imposed President's Rule on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. Consequently, the state assembly has been suspended.
