Manipur guv offers 7-day amnesty for stolen arms

Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Thursday urged all communities to voluntarily surrender looted and illegally held weapons within seven days, but said strict action will be taken after the amnesty period expires, marking the first major government move in the strife-torn state since the imposition of President's Rule last week.

- Alok KN Mishra

In a public appeal, Bhalla said all communities must come forward to ensure cessation of hostilities and maintenance of peace and order in the society, so that people can return to their day-to-day activities.

"I sincerely request the people of all communities, particularly the youth in the valley and hills, to voluntarily come forward and surrender looted and illegally held weapons and ammunition to the nearest police station/outpost/security forces camp within the next seven days, effective from today," he said.

The governor - who is effectively in charge of the administration in the state - said this single act of returning weapons could be a powerful gesture towards ensuring peace.

"I want to assure you that no punitive action would be initiated if such weapons are returned within the stipulated time. Thereafter, strict action will be taken for possession of such weapons," he added.

Bhalla's appeal, which came seven days after President's Rule was clamped in the state, targets one of the most entrenched reasons for continued violence in the state that has seen at least 250 people die and another 50,000 displaced by ethnic violence over nearly two years.

At least 6,500 arms and over 600,000 pieces of ammunition have been looted from police armouries across Manipur since the clashes first began in May 2023. Police and security forces have conducted regular searches and raids but have only recovered a tiny fraction between 1,8000 and 2,000-of the looted arms.