Among the surrendered items at Saikul police station in Kangpokpi district were one 9mm CB1A1 pistol, one 9mm magazine, one grenade, cartridges, and two wireless sets, including one SBBL gun
A total of 109 weapons, along with ammunition and other items, were surrendered by the public to police and security forces across four districts in Manipur, police officials reported on Friday. The move follows an appeal by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, urging people to voluntarily hand over looted or illegally held weapons within seven days.
Among the surrendered items at Saikul police station in Kangpokpi district were one 9mm CB1A1 pistol, one 9mm magazine, one grenade, cartridges, and two wireless sets. In Bishnupur district, weapons, including one SBBL gun, were submitted at Phougakchao Ikhai police station. Similar arms and ammunition were also surrendered in police stations across Imphal West and Imphal East districts.
Governor Bhalla assured that no punitive action would be taken against those voluntarily surrendering weapons during the designated period. The appeal comes in light of ongoing ethnic violence that has gripped the state since May 2023, claiming more than 250 lives and displacing thousands.
The ethnic unrest between the Imphal valley-based Meitei community and the neighbouring hills-based Kuki-Zo groups has left the region in turmoil. To restore law and order, the Centre imposed President’s rule in Manipur on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The Manipur Assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been placed under suspended animation, as per a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Authorities continue to urge those in possession of illegal weapons to surrender them, emphasising that the move is essential to restoring peace and stability in the conflict-affected state.