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Manipur Governor’s offer: Return looted weapons in next 7 days, face no action

Warns that ‘strict action’ will follow if those who looted weapons from police armouries don’t comply

Manipur has been reeling under ethnic clashes between the Meitei community and various Kuki tribal groups for nearly two years. (Express photo)

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla Thursday appealed to the people of all communities in the state to surrender looted and illegally held weapons to their nearest security establishments within the next seven days, saying that no punitive action would be taken for weapons surrendered during this time.

However, in his appeal, he stated that “strict action” would be taken for the possession of such weapons after this period.

Around 6,000 weapons have been looted from state armouries during the conflict, which began in May 2023.

Twenty-one months later, there are still sporadic attempts to seize weapons from these armouries. In the latest such attempt, on February 8, six SLRs and three AK arms were looted from a police outpost in Thoubal district but were recovered the next day by the police.

While more than 1,200 looted weapons have been recovered so far, most continue to be in circulation.

To restore peace and normalcy in the state, Governor of Manipur, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, has urged the people, especially the youth, to voluntarily surrender looted and illegally held weapons. pic.twitter.com/z3YFhl7NVS

— RAJ BHAVAN MANIPUR (@RajBhavManipur) February 20, 2025

“I sincerely request the people of all communities, particularly the youths in the Valley and Hills, to voluntarily come forward and surrender looted and illegally held weapons and ammunition to the nearest police station/outpost/security forces camp within the next seven days, with effect from today. Your single act of returning these weapons can be a powerful gesture towards ensuring peace. I want to assure you that no punitive action will be initiated if such weapons are returned within the stipulated time. Thereafter, strict action will be taken for possession of such weapons,” read a statement by the Governor.

“The government is committed to ensuring a peaceful resolution of the situation and safeguarding the future of our youths. Let us rebuild our state together with hope and trust for a brighter future. Come forward and choose peace,” it stated.

Sukrita Baruah

Sukrita Baruah is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Guwahati. From this strategic hub, she provides comprehensive, ground-level coverage of India's North East, a region characterized by its complex ethnic diversity, geopolitical significance, and unique developmental challenges. Expertise and Experience Ethnic & Social Dynamics: Deep-dive coverage of regional conflicts (such as the crisis in Manipur) and peace-building efforts. Border & Geopolitics: Tracking developments along India’s international borders and their impact on local communities. Governance & Policy: Reporting on state elections, tribal council decisions, and the implementation of central schemes in the North East. Specialized Education Background: Prior to her current role, Sukrita was a dedicated Education Correspondent for The Indian Express in Delhi. This experience provided her with a sharp analytical lens for: Policy Analysis: Evaluating the National Education Policy (NEP) and university-level reforms. Student Affairs: Covering high-stakes stories regarding campus politics, national entrance exams, and the challenges within the primary and secondary education sectors. ... Read More

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