Imphal: The Governor of Manipur has extended the deadline for surrendering illegal arms and ammunition by another week, allowing individuals in both the valley and hill districts to comply by March 6.
The decision comes a day after Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei militia group accused by Kuki organisations of orchestrating violence against their community, handed over nearly 300 weapons and rounds of ammunition to state authorities on Thursday.
Last Thursday, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla had urged all citizens, especially the youth, to surrender illegal weapons within seven days at the nearest police stations or security posts, assuring them that no legal action would be taken during this period. Several citizens had since requested an extension to facilitate further compliance.
“In my appeal on February 20, 2025, I urged people from all communities, particularly the youth in both the Valley and Hills, to voluntarily surrender looted and illegally possessed weapons and ammunition to the nearest police station, outpost, or security forces camp within seven days,” the governor’s statement read.
Acknowledging the positive response, the governor noted that as the initial deadline expired, both valley and hill communities called for an extension. “Considering these requests, I have decided to extend the deadline until 4 PM on March 6, 2025, for voluntary surrender. I urge all those still in possession of illegal weapons to take this opportunity and hand them over to the authorities by the new deadline,” Governor Bhalla stated.
He further emphasized that no punitive action would be taken against those surrendering weapons during this period. However, after the deadline, anyone found in possession of illegal arms would face strict legal consequences. Security forces and police are set to launch extensive operations to recover any remaining weapons.
“This is the final opportunity for everyone to contribute to peace, communal harmony, and the safety of our society. We strongly encourage all those still in possession of illegal weapons to surrender them within the given timeframe without fear of prosecution,” the statement concluded.
