Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Thursday issued a seven-day ultimatum for individuals holding looted or illegally-possessed weapons to surrender them voluntarily. Addressing residents of both the Valley and Hills, he called for an end to hostilities and restoration of peace.
The Governor particularly urged youngsters to return weapons to the nearest police station, security outpost, or camp, assuring that no punitive action would be taken if surrendered within the deadline. However, he warned of strict legal consequences after the stipulated time.
“Your single act of returning these weapons can be a powerful gesture towards ensuring peace,” he emphasized, adding that Manipur has suffered for over 20 months due to continued violence disrupting communal harmony.
Security Crackdown Amid President’s Rule
The ultimatum comes as security forces intensify operations against militant groups in Manipur following the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13. Security forces have seized large caches of illegal arms, including rifles, pistols, grenades, and mortars, in recent crackdowns.
Authorities have also arrested multiple militants, including members of the United Kuki National Army and the banned Kangleipak Communist Party. The state government’s withdrawal from the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militant groups has further escalated tensions.
Political and Civil Society Reactions
The move has sparked divided reactions among different groups in Manipur.
• COCOMI (Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity), a Meitei civil society group, criticized President’s Rule as an “undemocratic attempt to destabilize the state.”
• In contrast, Kuki Inpi, the apex body of Kuki tribes, welcomed the move, calling it a “necessary intervention” while reiterating their demand for separate administration under Article 239(A) of the Constitution.
As Manipur remains tense, the Governor’s ultimatum is expected to test the state’s commitment to peace and disarmament in the coming days.
