Imphal: In a bid to restore peace and communal harmony in Manipur, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has extended the deadline for the surrender of looted and illegal arms until March 6. This decision comes after widespread requests from both hill and valley areas of the state, which has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 2023. The extension aims to encourage more individuals to surrender weapons, contributing to a safer and more stable society.
On February 20, Governor Bhalla urged warring groups to voluntarily surrender weapons robbed from security forces and other illegally held arms within a seven-day period. By the end of this deadline, over 300 weapons had been surrendered, primarily in the valley districts. The public’s response has been positive, with many taking advantage of the amnesty offered during this period.
The situation in Manipur remains critical, with more than 250 lives lost and thousands displaced due to ongoing clashes between Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups. The Centre imposed President’s Rule on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, and the state assembly has been placed under suspended animation until 2027.
In extending the deadline, Governor Bhalla emphasized that this is the last opportunity for individuals to contribute to peace and communal harmony. He assured that no punitive action would be taken against those who surrender their weapons within the extended period.
