The surrender of illegal firearms in strife-torn Manipur continues, with over 60 more weapons handed over in recent days, even as Kuki-Zo groups intensify their demand for a separate Union Territory.
Police sources confirmed that twenty firearms were surrendered on Sunday across four districts—Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, and Jiribam. Among these, three, including two 9mm pistols, were deposited at the SDPO office in Porompat, Imphal East.
Another four firearms, along with three grenades and various ammunition, were turned over to the Border Security Force (BSF) in Bishnupur, while additional weapons were surrendered at Jiribam, Wangoi, and Sekmai police stations.
The surge in surrenders follows Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s appeal on 20 February, urging warring factions to relinquish weapons stolen from security forces or otherwise illegally held. The initial seven-day window saw over 300 firearms surrendered, primarily in the valley districts.
Responding to public requests from both hill and valley regions, the Governor extended the deadline until 4 pm on 6 March, leading to further handovers.
In a separate round of surrenders on Saturday, 42 firearms and ammunition were turned in across five districts—Imphal West, Imphal East, Churachandpur, Bishnupur, and Tamenglong.
Significant deposits included seventeen country-made guns, nine locally manufactured ‘pompi’ mortars, and several rounds of ammunition at Kaimai police station in Tamenglong.
Meanwhile, security forces conducting search operations in Sairemkhul, Imphal West, recovered an INSAS LMG with a magazine, an AK-56 rifle, three SLRs, an SMG 9mm carbine, a .303 rifle, a double-barrel gun, four grenades without detonators, a Chinese hand grenade, and other military-grade equipment.
Since the outbreak of ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in May 2023, more than 250 people have been killed and thousands displaced.
Also read: Amit Shah orders free movement on Manipur roads from March 8
The central government imposed President’s Rule in Manipur on 13 February following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. With the state assembly placed under suspended animation, the administration remains under direct Centre’s control.
Meanwhile, Kuki-Zo groups have escalated their agitation, demanding a separate Union Territory.
On Saturday, the Kuki Students’ Organisation and the Kuki-Zo Women’s Forum Delhi and NCR staged a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in the national capital, insisting they cannot return to Manipur without a political resolution.
Protesters displayed placards denouncing Biren Singh’s resignation as a “smokescreen” and reiterated their demand for self-governance.
A statement released at the protest site, copies of which were sent to the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Home Affairs, highlighted the community’s historical grievances.
“The Kuki-Zo community has endured historical injustices and would like to reiterate the urgent need for a political solution for the community in Manipur,” the statement read.
The statement further asserted that the community had long suffered systemic exclusion despite contributing significantly to the nation. It criticised the present administration for failing to protect their rights.
“The present administrative machinery in Manipur has utterly failed to protect our lives and address our grievances, aspirations, and rights,” it stated.
Their core demand remains the creation of a separate Union Territory with a legislature, under Article 239A and Article 3 of the Constitution.
“A separate administration is the only viable path to the emancipation of the Kuki-Zo people,” the statement emphasised.
Additionally, the protestors urged the formation of a committee to draft a roadmap for self-governance and the protection of their cultural and linguistic identity.
“This will demonstrate the commitment of the Government of India to resolving Manipur’s complex problems and fostering a lasting atmosphere of mutual trust,” they asserted.
A key contention remains the disarmament of village volunteers from the Kuki-Zo community. Protesters warned they would not surrender their weapons unless the government guaranteed their safety.
“Unless the Government of India ensures absolute and unwavering protection against such attacks, we will not relinquish our arms,” the statement affirmed.
As the 6 March deadline for firearm surrenders looms, authorities anticipate further deposits.
Also read: Manipur Guv extends deadline till Mar 6 to surrender arms
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