In a decisive move to restore peace and order, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has issued a seven-day ultimatum for the surrender of looted police weapons and illegally held arms. The announcement, made on February 20, urges individuals in both the Imphal Valley and the surrounding hills to return these weapons at their nearest police stations. The Governor emphasized that those who comply within the given timeframe will not face punitive action, but after the deadline, strict measures will be enforced against those found in possession of such arms.
The directive comes in response to the prolonged unrest in Manipur, which has persisted for over 21 months, leading to widespread violence, displacement, and social turmoil. With the recent imposition of President’s Rule in the state, the administration is making renewed efforts to curb lawlessness and restore normalcy.
A Call for Peace and Cooperation
Governor Bhalla’s appeal underscores the need for community cooperation in ensuring stability. He urged individuals and groups across all communities in Manipur to come forward voluntarily and return the weapons. He described the act of surrendering arms as a “powerful gesture” that could majorly contribute to rebuilding peace and trust among the people.
“The return of looted weapons is not just about law enforcement; it is a necessary step towards reconciliation and harmony. I urge everyone to act responsibly for the greater good of Manipur,” said Bhalla.
Despite assurances of no immediate legal consequences for those who surrender weapons within the deadline, Bhalla warned that after the seven-day period, law enforcement agencies would take strict action against individuals found with illegal firearms.
Background: 21 Months of Unrest in Manipur
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence and unrest since May 2022, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and large-scale displacement of communities. The state has witnessed a surge in armed conflicts, with various groups reportedly acquiring weapons from police armories during periods of heightened violence.
The escalating crisis recently led to major political developments. On February 9, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned from his position after nearly 21 months of struggling to control the violence. Subsequently, on February 13, the Union government imposed President’s Rule in Manipur, citing the deteriorating law and order situation.
With the central administration now overseeing governance, the focus has shifted to disarmament as a crucial step in restoring peace. The return of looted weapons is seen as a necessary measure to prevent further escalation and facilitate reconciliation among the affected communities.
Security Measures and Future Actions
Governor Bhalla’s ultimatum aligns with broader efforts by security forces to curb armed violence in the state. Law enforcement agencies have been conducting raids and crackdowns on illegal arms networks while also engaging in dialogue with community leaders to encourage voluntary surrender.
The Manipur Police and central security forces have reiterated their commitment to ensuring public safety and maintaining order. Officials have assured that all surrendered weapons will be securely accounted for and that those who comply with the deadline will be protected from legal repercussions.
Moreover, Bhalla stressed that peace-building efforts must go beyond disarmament. He called for an end to hostilities between ethnic groups and urged all communities to work together in restoring normalcy. “To move forward, all sections of society must come together to end conflicts and focus on rebuilding the state,” he added.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s seven-day ultimatum marks a critical moment in Manipur’s efforts to restore stability. The call for surrendering illegal weapons without legal consequences provides an opportunity for individuals to contribute to peace. However, the strict warning of legal action after the deadline also signals the government’s firm stance against continued lawlessness.
