Responding to an appeal from Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and concerted awareness efforts by security forces, members of the Zomi and Kuki communities in Churachandpur and Imphal East districts have voluntarily surrendered illegally held weapons.
According to Manipur Police, 16 weapons, along with ammunition, were surrendered in Churachandpur district, while an additional weapon was handed over in Imphal East.
The surrendered arsenal included an M-16 rifle, a 7.62 mm SLR rifle, two AK rifles, three INSAS rifles, two M-79 40mm under-barrel grenade launchers (UBGL), a 9mm carbine machine gun, a 51mm mortar, three .303 rifles, two single-barrel rifles, 64 gelatin sticks, and various rounds of ammunition.
Manipur Police also confirmed that in Imphal East, one CMC Carbine with a magazine, six 2" mortar shells, 1,200 rounds of 5.56x30 mm ammunition, and 2,200 rounds of .22 calibre ammunition were voluntarily surrendered.
Security forces have intensified search operations and area domination in vulnerable districts.
Also read: Surrender looted, illegal weapons in seven days: Manipur Guv
During operations, police recovered arms and explosives, including two 36 hand grenades without detonators, five 9mm pistols, one SMG carbine marked ‘CT05’ (without a magazine), five .303 live rounds, four 7.62 mm AK live rounds, one single-bore barrel firearm, two detonators with wire, a Baofeng radio set, a country-made machine gun with a magazine, two .22 live rounds, and five anti-riot shells from Phunal Maring Village, Imphal East.
Additionally, in Tengnoupal district, security personnel recovered one country-made Lathode grenade launcher, eight improvised explosive devices (IEDs), three Pompi shells, and another Baofeng radio set from the Leibi Khunou area.
Governor Bhalla had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum, urging individuals to surrender looted police weapons and illegally possessed arms, warning of strict action against those failing to comply.
Following this appeal, the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), State Intelligence Agencies, and the State Administration, engaged in extensive outreach efforts with community leaders from the Zomi and Kuki groups.
These dialogues sought to address security concerns, assure residents of safety, and highlight the significance of de-weaponisation in restoring peace.
As a result, community leaders came forward with the first batch of surrendered weapons on 22 February at Tuibong Village in Churachandpur district.
Top-ranking officials from the Assam Rifles, CRPF, State Civil Administration, Police, and State Intelligence Agencies were present during the surrender ceremony.
Authorities believe the initiative will encourage further arms surrender, particularly among youth, fostering long-term peace and stability in Manipur.
Also read: Manipur under President’s Rule: What led to the political crisis?
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