MEITEL GRGroup Surrenders Over 300 Arms as Governor’s Disarmament Deadline Ends
Imphal, February 27: In a significant step towards restoring peace in the conflict-ridden state of Manipur, top leaders of the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol, along with civilians, surrendered over 300 weapons at the 1st Manipur Rifles in Imphal on Thursday.
The group, known for their armed resistance against the state government, handed over the weapons in response to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s seven-day deadline for surrendering arms. The event marked a major breakthrough in the state’s disarmament efforts, with Puyam Tomcha Meitei, President of the All Manipur Bar Association, hailing the move as a "historic day" and a "positive initiative" for restoring normalcy in the state.
The surrender was accompanied by an emotional moment as the mothers of Arambai members, including Akoijam Siteshori Devi, expressed their collective sentiment. "As mothers of Arambai members, we understand that our children took up arms due to the conflict, but with the reimposition of President’s Rule and the call to disarm, we have decided to surrender our weapons for the sake of peace and prosperity in Manipur," she said.
Siteshori warned that if violence resurfaces after the surrender, the authorities must take full responsibility. "We have laid down our arms, but if conflict arises again from the other side, the authorities should be held accountable," she stated.
This surrender follows a similar development on Wednesday, where civilians across six districts voluntarily handed over 104 firearms and ammunition just a day before the government’s seven-day deadline expired. The weapons were surrendered in Kangpokpi, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Imphal West, and Kakching districts.
This marks the second major disarmament appeal in recent months, with a 15-day window for the voluntary surrender of illegal firearms being offered during the tenure of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in September 2023.
Key Takeaways:
- Over 300 weapons surrendered by Arambai Tenggol and civilians in response to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s seven-day deadline.
- The event marks a significant step towards restoring peace in Manipur, with Puyam Tomcha Meitei hailing it as a "historic day" and a "positive initiative".
- The surrender is accompanied by an emotional moment, with mothers of Arambai members expressing their concerns and warnings.
- This is the second major disarmament appeal in recent months, following a similar effort in September 2023.
- The authorities must ensure that peace prevails in the state, with all eyes on them to take responsibility if violence resurfaces.
Source: https://assamtribune.com/north-east/arambai-tenggol-surrenders-over-300-arms-as-guvs-disarmament-deadline-ends-1569536
North East, Featured
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/north-east/arambai-tenggol-surrenders-over-300-arms-as-guvs-disarmament-deadline-ends-1569536
Category : North East,Featured
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Publish Date: 2025-02-27 18:16:00
