Imphal: Days after the Central Government imposed President’s Rule in Manipur, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Thursday issued a seven-day ultimatum, urging residents, particularly the youth in both the valley and hill regions, to surrender illegal arms to the relevant authorities. Failure to comply within the stipulated time will lead to strict action, the Governor cautioned in a statement released through the Directorate of Information and Public Relations.
Expressing grave concern over the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition, many of which were either looted or unlawfully acquired from state armories and other sources, the Governor underscored the serious threat these weapons pose to public safety and societal security.
The statement highlighted the suffering endured by residents across the state, in the hills and valleys, over the past twenty months due to recurring incidents that have disrupted peace and communal harmony.
To restore normalcy and enable residents to resume their daily lives, the Governor called upon all communities to work collectively toward ceasing hostilities and fostering peace and order.
The Governor specifically appealed to the youth to voluntarily surrender looted and illegally possessed weapons and ammunition at the nearest police station, outpost, or security forces camp within seven days, starting from Thursday.
Emphasizing that returning these arms would be a significant step toward promoting peace, the Governor assured that no punitive action would be taken against those who comply within the given timeframe. However, he warned that strict action would follow against individuals found in possession of illegal weapons after the deadline.
Governor Bhalla reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving a peaceful resolution and ensuring a secure future for the youth. “Let us rebuild our state together with hope and trust for a brighter future. Come forward and choose peace,” he urged.
