Imphal: Responding to an appeal by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, around 300 looted weapons, including advanced firearms, and a significant stockpile of ammunition have been returned to security forces over the past week, officials reported on Thursday.
Among the recovered arms are AK-series rifles, carbines, self-loading rifles (SLRs), single-barrel rifles, and mortars.
Authorities expect more looted weaponry to be surrendered in the coming days.
In a significant development, the radical Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol is reportedly preparing to return over 200 weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition to the Manipur Police.
The handover is expected to take place on Thursday or Friday, a senior police official revealed.
The return of arms marks a critical step in addressing the fallout of ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities that erupted on May 3, 2023.
During the unrest, more than 6,000 weapons and millions of rounds of ammunition were looted from police stations and security outposts.
Manipur Police Director General Rajiv Singh emphasised the importance of disarming society to restore peace and normalcy in the state.
He urged individuals and groups still in possession of arms to return them to security forces, noting that a reduction in weaponization would pave the way for constructive dialogue between communities.
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Since Governor Bhalla’s February 20 appeal, daily surrenders of looted arms have been reported across districts, including Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, and Bishnupur.
In parallel with the arms recovery, security forces have intensified operations across the state.
Over the past week, they dismantled several illegal bunkers constructed by armed groups and community volunteers. Additionally, large-scale illegal poppy plantations in hill districts were destroyed.
Security forces also apprehended over 50 militants from various outfits, including the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), the Kangleipak Communist Party–People’s War Group (KCP-PWG), and Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL). These actions form part of ongoing efforts to restore stability in the conflict-ridden state.
