Manipur’s Effort to Promote Peace: 196 Arms Handed Over, 15 Bunkers Destroyed
As the deadline for voluntarily surrendering looted and illegal weapons in Manipur expired on Thursday, a total of 196 arms, along with ammunition and other miscellaneous items, were handed over to the security forces. This comes after Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla extended the deadline by a day, following demands from both hill and valley areas for additional time.
The weapons were surrendered in eight districts: Bishnupur, Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, Jiribam, Churachandpur, and Pherzawl. The security forces also destroyed 15 bunkers in Kangpokpi district, with 12 of them razed at K Langnom and Khengjang areas, and three at Haraothel.
The move is seen as a step towards promoting peace and security in the state, which has been plagued by ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023. The violence has claimed over 250 lives and left thousands homeless. In a bid to bring an end to the bloodshed, the Centre imposed President’s rule in the state on February 13, suspending the state assembly, which was to expire in 2027.
The Manipur Governor had initially given a seven-day ultimatum to warring groups to surrender weapons robbed from security forces and other illegal arms, but extended the deadline after demands for additional time. The administration assured that no punitive action would be taken against those who surrendered their weapons, describing it as the “last opportunity for everyone concerned to contribute to peace, communal harmony, the future of our youth, and the security of our society.”
During the first seven-day period, over 300 weapons were surrendered, primarily in the valley districts. The latest development brings to 36 the number of arms, 129 ammunition, seven explosives, and 21 miscellaneous items recovered by the security forces through combing and search operations conducted after the deadline expired. While the efforts are a positive step towards restoring peace, the path to healing and recovery will be long and arduous for the people of Manipur.
As the state continues to navigate this challenging period, the surrender of weapons and destruction of illegal bunkers are crucial milestones in the push towards peace and stability. The people of Manipur can only hope that this is the beginning of a sustained effort to rebuild and move forward, rather than a fleeting moment of progress followed by renewed violence.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/manipur-people-give-up-196-arms-on-last-day-of-surrender-1180401-2025-03-07?utm_source=rssfeed
Category :
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-03-07 10:17:00
