Imphal: In a significant move to quell ethnic unrest, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has extended the deadline for voluntary surrender of illegal and looted arms until March 6, 2025, as the state witnesses a breakthrough with hundreds of weapons being surrendered by public in the last few days. Meitei group Arambai Tenggol also relinquished weapons on 27th February, days after the governor’s appeal.
Governor Bhalla’s initial call on February 20 urged communities in the violence-ridden state to surrender looted arms within seven days. Following appeals from hill and valley residents, the deadline was extended to 4:00 p.m. on March 6, 2025. Individuals complying will avoid prosecution, while post-deadline crackdowns loom for violators.
“This is the last opportunity to choose peace and communal harmony,” Governor Bhalla declared, emphasizing the urgency of disarming to ensure public safety. Authorities ruled out further extensions, signaling intensified security operations post-March 6.
In a pivotal response, members of Arambai Tenggol—a Meitei group linked to past tensions—publicly surrendered arms at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles in Imphal on Thursday. The move followed their February 25 meeting with the Governor, where they submitted a memorandum pledging cooperation and restoring peace in the troubled state.
Security forces hailed the group’s decision as “a milestone for stability,” urging other factions to follow suit. “This sets a precedent. We appeal to all armed elements to prioritize dialogue,” a top state official stated.
The surrender aligns with broader efforts to end Manipur’s protracted ethnic strife, particularly between hill-based Kuki-Zo tribes and valley-dwelling Meiteis. Over 250 lives have been lost and thousands displaced since clashes erupted in May 2023, with looted arms exacerbating violence.
With the March 6 deadline approaching, officials warn of stringent measures against holdouts while urging communities to “trust the process.” As Arambai Tenggol’s gesture sparks cautious optimism, all eyes remain on whether rival Kuki groups will mirror the move to pave a lasting peace.
