As the deadline for surrendering looted and illegal arms in strife-torn Manipur ended on Wednesday, 32 more weapons were voluntarily handed over in Churachandpur, Imphal East, and Kangpokpi districts.
The arms and ammunition were surrendered at the Commando unit in Lamlai, Porompat, and Heingang police stations, as well as at the 7th Manipur Rifles battalion unit in Imphal East district.
Additionally, weapons were handed over at the SP Churachandpur office and Saikul Police Station in Kangpokpi district.
As of March 6, over 300 looted and illegal weapons have been surrendered in Manipur, primarily in valley districts, following Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla's appeal.
On February 27, the radical Meitei group Arambai Tengol surrendered 246 weapons, marking the largest single surrender of illegally held arms in the state.
Also read: Manipur: Surrenders continue; Kukis rally for separate UT
Despite these efforts, over 4,800 looted weapons remain unrecovered in the state.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla had extended the deadline for voluntary surrender until 4 pm on March 6, following requests from residents of both hill and valley areas for more time.
The administration assured that no punitive action would be taken against those who surrendered their weapons within the stipulated period, emphasising that "this is the last opportunity for everyone concerned to contribute to peace, communal harmony, the future of our youth, and the security of our society".
Bhalla had earlier, on February 20, urged armed groups to return weapons stolen from security forces and other illegally held arms within a seven-day timeframe.
The ongoing conflict in Manipur, which erupted in May 2023, has led to over 250 official deaths and the displacement of thousands.
On February 13, the Centre imposed President's Rule in the state after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned. The state assembly, with a tenure until 2027, has been placed under suspended animation.
Also read: Manipur Guv extends deadline till Mar 6 to surrender arms
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