42 more firearms surrendered in Manipur, five illegal bunkers destroyed.
As of March 2, 2025, 42 more firearms and cartridges have been surrendered by the public in five districts of Manipur, and five illegal bunkers have been demolished by the security forces. This is a part of the ongoing efforts to prevent ethnic violence in the state, following Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s appeal for voluntary surrender of illegal and looted arms. The deadline for surrender has been extended to 4 pm on March 6, 2025 in response to requests from both hill and valley communities.
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Summary of incidents
Firearms surrendered:
Imphal West and East: One INSAS LMG with one magazine loaded with 20 rounds of ammunition, one AK-56 rifle, three SLR rifles, one SMG 9 mm carbine, one .303 rifle, one DBBL gun, four grenades without detonators and one Chinese hand grenade were seized during a search operation at Sairemkhul in Imphal West district. Besides, firearms and cartridges were deposited at Yaingangpokpi, Porompat, Churachandpur and Lamsang police stations.
Bishnupur district: Five firearms including two pistols, six grenades and over 75 cartridges were deposited at the SDPO office at Porompat.
Tamenglong district: Seventeen country-made guns, nine 'pompis' (locally manufactured mortars) and cartridges were deposited at Kaimai police station.
Churachandpur district: At least 10 firearms and cartridges were deposited at various police stations.
Illegal bunkers demolished:
Kangpokpi district: Two illegal bunkers were demolished at Mark Hill under Thingsat Hill Range.
Wakan Hill Range: Three illegal bunkers were demolished in the adjoining area of Kangpokpi and Imphal East districts.
Background and context
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla had initially urged warring groups to voluntarily surrender weapons looted from security forces and other illegally held firearms within a seven-day period beginning February 20, 2025. During this initial period, more than 300 firearms were surrendered, mainly in the valley districts. Due to the positive response and requests for additional time from both the hill and valley areas, the deadline was extended to 4 pm on March 6, 2025.
Ongoing efforts
Security operations: Security forces, including the Indian Army, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police, are making coordinated efforts to facilitate the surrender of weapons and dismantle illegal bunkers.
Community participation: Village heads and civil society leaders have played a key role in mediating the handover of weapons to ensure anonymity and minimise legal repercussions for those surrendering weapons.
Peace initiatives: The mass surrender of arms and destruction of illegal bunkers are seen as positive steps towards reducing violence and restoring peace in the state.
Impact and significance
Ethnic violence: Ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups has claimed more than 250 lives and rendered thousands homeless since May 2023. These efforts to reduce the flow of illegal arms are vital to further reduce violence.
Government response: The central government imposed President’s rule in Manipur on February 13, 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The state assembly, whose term is till 2027, has been suspended.
Conclusion
The surrender of 42 more firearms and destruction of five illegal bunkers in Manipur mark significant progress in the state’s efforts to curb ethnic violence and restore peace. Extending the deadline for voluntary surrender of arms to March 6, 2025 reflects the Government's commitment to work with local communities to achieve this goal.