Imphal- In response to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s appeal, the return of looted arms and ammunition continued on Sunday, with nine more sophisticated weapons and a large quantity of ammunition voluntarily surrendered to the state police in three valley districts.
A senior police official confirmed that arms were returned to district police officials in Imphal East, Imphal West, and Thoubal districts in the presence of senior officers. The surrendered weapons included two carbines, one tear gas gun, one sniper rifle, one double-barrel gun, one .38mm pistol, one AK-56 rifle, one 7.62mm MAS series bolt-action sniper rifle, and one .303 rifle. Additionally, a large cache of ammunition was handed over, including loaded magazines, two mortar shells, two large IEDs, seven 36-HE hand grenades, five handheld radio sets, and other explosive materials.
Sunday’s surrender marks the third such instance following the Governor’s appeal on February 20. Earlier, on February 21 in Kakching district and February 22 in Churachandpur district, significant quantities of looted arms and ammunition were returned.
Governor Bhalla had urged members of all communities to surrender looted and illegally possessed weapons within seven days, warning of strict action against non-compliance. Reports indicate that during the ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 3, 2023, over 6,000 sophisticated weapons and lakhs of rounds of ammunition were looted from police stations and outposts.
Security forces, including the Army, Assam Rifles, Central Armed Police Forces, and Manipur Police, continue search operations to recover looted arms. Despite earlier calls from former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and the state Home Department, public response to surrendering arms had remained low.
Meanwhile, during their ongoing operations, Manipur Police recovered more arms and ammunition from Churachandpur district. They also arrested a militant, Damu Kanjam alias Ningjaba (47), belonging to the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), who was allegedly involved in extortion activities. Additionally, police dismantled two illegally constructed bunkers in Kangpokpi district.
The state government remains committed to restoring law and order, with authorities intensifying efforts to retrieve all looted arms and prevent further unrest.
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