Imphal: In a landmark response to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s appeal for peace, hundreds of illegal and looted weapons, including AK-series rifles, mortars, hand grenades, and ammunition, were voluntarily surrendered by the public across seven districts of the state on February 25. The unprecedented move, aimed at curbing violence and restoring stability, saw high-grade firearms, explosives, and military-grade equipment handed over to authorities in Churachandpur, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kangpokpi, Jiribam, and Imphal West districts.
The surrender drive, conducted on February 25, 2025, marked one of the largest single-day collections of illegal arms in Manipur’s recent history. The weapons, many of which were looted during past conflicts, included sophisticated military hardware such as Pakistani-made M-79 grenade launchers, INSAS light machine guns, and stun grenades. Security officials confirmed that the items were deposited at police stations in coordination with local authorities, signaling growing public trust in the government’s peace initiatives.
District-Wise Breakdown
1. Churachandpur District (Churachandpur-PS)
– 6x 7.62mm Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs)
– 3x .303 rifles
– 1x INSAS LMG
– 1x Pakistan-made M-79 grenade launcher
– 3x heavy mortars (“Pompi”)
– 4x locally made rockets
2. Imphal East District
-Porompat-PS: SMG carbines, tear gas guns, 36 HE hand grenades, and stun grenades.
-Sagolmang-PS: A significant cache including 155 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 68 black cartridges, detonators, body armor, and communication devices (Baofeng handsets).
3. Bishnupur District
-Nambol-PS: Country-made rifles, tear gas shells, body armor vests, and helmets.
-Moirang-PS: 70 live .303 rounds, 7.62mm ammunition, and HE grenades.
-Phougakchao Ikhai-PS: Smoke bombs, bulletproof jackets, and firearms.
-Bishnupur-PS: INSAS rifles, Chinese grenades, mortar shells, and combat gear.
4. Other Districts
-Yaingangpokpi-PS (Imphal West): Anti-riot gear, dye marker grenades, and stun shells.
– Thoubal, Kangpokpi, and Jiribam: Additional firearms, ammunition, and tactical equipment.
The surrender follows Governor’s urgent call for citizens to relinquish illegal arms amid escalating tensions in the state. Manipur has long grappled with insurgency and ethnic clashes, with looted weapons often fueling cycles of violence. Security experts hailed the public’s cooperation as a “critical step toward lasting peace.” A senior police official stated, “The scale of this surrender reflects the people’s desire for normalcy. Each weapon turned in is a potential life saved.”
Security Measures and Public Response
Authorities set up designated collection points and assured anonymity to those surrendering arms. Locals expressed relief, with one resident stating, “We want our children to grow up without fear.” The recovered weapons will be cataloged and destroyed under strict protocols to prevent recirculation.
The Manipur government plans to extend the surrender window and intensify combing operations to recover remaining arms.
Tuesday’s mass surrender underscores a collective public rejection of violence. As the state inches toward stability, the focus now shifts to sustaining this momentum through dialogue, development, and disarmament.
