Why is there a manhunt in Manipur for armed cadres giving a gun salute?
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Synopsis
A significant manhunt has been initiated in Manipur to apprehend individuals involved in a controversial gun salute for victims of ethnic violence. This operation unveils the ongoing tensions in the region as authorities strive to maintain order amidst rising unrest. Discover the implications of this incident on local communities and law enforcement efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Extensive manhunt underway for gunmen linked to gun salute.
- Legal actions will be taken against organizers of the salute.
- Authorities encourage return of illegal weapons by the public.
- Shutdowns reflect community tensions on the anniversary of violence.
- Approximately 1,000 looted weapons have been recovered since February.
Imphal, May 4 (NationPress) The police in Manipur, along with various security forces, have initiated an extensive operation to apprehend the individuals behind a reported 'gun salute' offered by armed groups as a tribute to victims of ethnic violence in the Kangpokpi district, officials stated on Sunday.
A police representative confirmed that an FIR has been filed regarding the gun salute event that took place in Saikul, Kangpokpi district on Saturday (May 3). Local leaders and community elders were called to the police station to provide details about the armed groups involved in this tribute.
“Search operations have been carried out across multiple areas to capture the gunmen. Authorities have seized five single-barrel firearms and camouflage outfits. Efforts to detain the offenders and confiscate additional weapons will persist. Those who organized the salute will face legal consequences,” the police remarked. According to regulations, displaying firearms at public events or providing gun salutes to the deceased is prohibited, except for authorized security personnel.
“Authorities are urging the community to return any looted or unlawfully possessed weapons, ammunition, and explosives to the police or the nearest security unit immediately,” the representative stated.
On Saturday, both the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar community organizations conducted separate events to commemorate the second anniversary of the onset of ethnic strife in Manipur.
Daily life was significantly disrupted in the valley areas and regions inhabited by the Kuki-Zo-Hmar on Saturday, as the main Meitei organization, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), called for a shutdown across six districts. Meanwhile, the Zomi Students Federation (ZSF) and the Kuki Students Organization (KSO) enforced a shutdown in the hill districts.
The COCOMI organized a public gathering in remembrance of two years of ethnic turmoil. Later that evening, a candlelight vigil was held at Kangla Nongpok Thong to honor the martyrs and victims of the violence.
As of March 6, approximately 1,000 looted and illegally held firearms, including numerous sophisticated weapons and a vast quantity of ammunition, have been returned to security forces, following an appeal by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on February 20. The recovery initiative for looted arms began on May 31, 2023, when former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh urged all parties to surrender firearms taken from police and security forces.
Before Singh's resignation on February 9, a total of 3,422 firearms had been voluntarily returned to various authorities and police stations across districts. Diverse official reports and political parties indicated that during the ethnic riots that erupted on May 3, 2023, over 6,020 different types of advanced weapons and countless rounds of various ammunition were seized from police stations and outposts by mobs, attackers, and militants.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach this situation with a balanced perspective. The ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur highlight the need for dialogue and understanding between communities. The police's actions to curb illegal arms and uphold the law are commendable, but a focus on reconciliation and peace-building is equally crucial to prevent further violence.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the gun salute incident in Manipur?
The gun salute was reportedly offered by armed groups as a tribute to victims of ethnic violence in the Kangpokpi district.
What actions are the authorities taking against the armed cadres?
Authorities have launched a manhunt, conducted raids, and seized firearms and uniforms to apprehend the individuals involved.
What are the legal implications of the gun salute?
Displaying firearms at public events or giving gun salutes is illegal, except for authorized security personnel.
How has the ethnic violence affected local communities?
Normal life has been severely disrupted, with shutdowns enforced in various regions by community organizations to mark the anniversary of the violence.
What efforts have been made to recover looted firearms in Manipur?
Since February, efforts have led to the return of around 1,000 looted weapons, with ongoing appeals for the community to surrender illegal arms.
