As per official estimates, around 6,000 weapons have been looted from the state armoury since the violence began in May 2023 . A week after the President’s rule was imposed in Manipur, the signals from the Raj Bhavan are that Governor Ajay Bhalla means business.
Bhalla on Thursday urged the citizens of Manipur to surrender the looted arms. The move is seen as a much-needed confidence-building measure. The confidence that the government of the day is serious about enforcing the rule and fear of law.
According to official estimates, nearly 6,000 weapons have been drawn out of the state armoury since the violence erupted in May 2023. Official functionaries of the government said the looted arms and weapons were being used for extortion and spreading a general sense of lawlessness in the state. The insurgent groups, which were controlled over the last ten years, are suddenly active after the armouries were looted.
While Bhalla issued the appeal, he also warned of “strict action” if people continue to hold looted weapons after seven days. There is an indication from the ground that Manipur police and security forces will start a crackdown once the seven-day period ends.
In the past 72 hours, action on this front has been visible. On February 18 and 19, an AK-56 rifle, pistols, Lathode guns, improvised mortars, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and ammunition were recovered from Maojang village in Tengnoupal district.
A day earlier, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police had apprehended an alleged insurgent from a valley-based group in Khabeisoi Maning Leikai, Imphal East district. Sources say 10 arms, suspected to be looted, were seized on Friday.
