In a major development aimed at restoring peace and security in Manipur, residents of Imphal West voluntarily surrendered a large cache of weapons at Singjamei Police Station on Saturday. The surrendered arms included firearms, grenades, and ammunition, marking a crucial step in the government’s efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons in the state.
Alongside Imphal West, residents from Churachandpur also turned in arms at their local police station, demonstrating a collective commitment to peace and stability in the conflict-affected region. The move comes in response to a call by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, urging communities in the hills and valley to return looted police weapons and other illegally held arms.
Weapons Surrendered in Imphal West and Churachandpur
The voluntary surrender drive saw a significant number of weapons being handed over to authorities in Imphal West and Churachandpur districts. The Singjamei Police Station in Imphal West received:
- An SMC carbine with a magazine
- A double-barrel gun
- A country-made rifle with a magazine
- A .32 pistol
- Three 36 HE hand grenades
- An LMG (Light Machine Gun) magazine
- An INSAS magazine
- Three rounds of AK ammunition
- Four stun grenades
- Four tear smoke grenades
- Five tear smoke shells
- A patka helmet
Similarly, in Churachandpur, residents surrendered:
- An SLR 7.62mm rifle with a magazine
- Three .303 rifles with magazines
This coordinated effort by residents across districts highlights the growing realization of the need for disarmament and peacebuilding in the region.
Security Forces Intensify Search Operations
To further strengthen security, Manipur’s security forces have launched intensified search operations across vulnerable areas in the hill and valley districts. These operations aim to recover illegal firearms and ensure that weapons do not fall into the wrong hands.
In a raid at Leirongthel Pitra Foothills in Thoubal District, authorities successfully recovered:
- An SLR rifle
- Four SLR magazines
- 105 rounds of AK ammunition
- 142 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition
- Three rounds of 5.56mm ammunition
- Three rounds of .303 ammunition
The tightened security measures reflect the administration’s commitment to restoring normalcy and preventing further violence in the state.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s Appeal for Surrender of Weapons
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has urged all communities to surrender looted police weapons and illegally held arms at their nearest police station. He emphasized that the possession of illegal arms could lead to strict legal consequences and that voluntary surrender would be seen as a positive step toward reconciliation.
Governor Bhalla stated: “Returning these weapons would be a powerful gesture towards ensuring peace.”
His appeal has resonated with the people, as evidenced by the large-scale surrender of weapons across Imphal West and Churachandpur. The move is expected to pave the way for dialogue and trust-building efforts between the authorities and local communities.
Importance of Voluntary Disarmament in Manipur
The surrender of weapons is a significant milestone in Manipur’s journey towards peace and conflict resolution. The state has witnessed ethnic tensions and armed conflicts over the years, with civilian safety and law enforcement becoming major concerns.
Some key reasons why this development is crucial include:
- Reduction in Violence – Fewer weapons mean a lower risk of armed conflicts and civilian casualties.
- Strengthening Law and Order – The initiative enables security forces to regain control, ensuring rule of law.
- Trust Building – Encouraging voluntary surrender fosters trust between the government and local communities.
- Peace Process Acceleration – The move aligns with broader efforts to promote reconciliation and long-term stability.
The voluntary surrender of weapons in Imphal West and Churachandpur marks a pivotal moment in Manipur’s efforts toward peace and security. The residents’ decision to hand over arms reflects a collective commitment to stability, answering Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s call for disarmament and reconciliation.
As security forces continue their crackdown on illegal arms, such proactive community efforts can accelerate peace-building initiatives. The success of this campaign could serve as a model for other conflict-affected regions, ensuring that the path to development, security, and prosperity is not hindered by violence.
With the support of local communities, law enforcement, and state leadership, Manipur stands at a crucial crossroads, where voluntary disarmament can lead to lasting peace in the region.