Imphal – Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Friday extended the deadline for the surrender of looted and illegal arms until 4 PM on March 6, following demands from both hill and valley areas for additional time, an official statement said.
“Upon the expiry of the seven-day deadline for the voluntary surrender of arms, there have been requests from both the valley and hill areas to extend the period. I have considered these requests and decided to extend the deadline until 4 PM on March 6,” the statement read.
The statement further assured that no punitive action would be taken against those who surrender their weapons within this period, emphasizing that “this is the last opportunity for everyone concerned to contribute to peace, communal harmony, the future of our youth, and the security of our society.”
Governor Bhalla had earlier urged warring groups to voluntarily surrender weapons robbed from security forces and other illegally held arms within seven days. The deadline ended on Thursday, during which more than 300 weapons were surrendered by the public, primarily in the valley districts.
Ongoing Ethnic Tensions
Since May 2023, ethnic violence between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups has claimed the lives of more than 250 people and rendered thousands homeless. In response to the unrest, the Centre imposed President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13 after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned. The state assembly, which has a tenure until 2027, has been put under suspended animation.
With this extended deadline, the administration hopes to further stabilize the region and foster long-term peace. The government has reiterated its commitment to restoring order and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
