Ongoing Return of Looted Weapons in Manipur Following Governor’s Call
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Synopsis
Following Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla's appeal, the return of looted arms and ammunition continues in Manipur, with 16 advanced weapons surrendered in Tuibong village, Churachandpur district.
Key Takeaways
- Governor Bhalla's appeal prompts arms return.
- 16 sophisticated weapons surrendered in Tuibong.
- Engagement with Kuki-Zo community leaders proves effective.
- Significant quantities of illegal weapons returned.
- Efforts continue to inspire further surrenders.
Imphal, Feb 22 (NationPress) Following the appeal made by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the process of returning looted arms and ammunition has continued in the state. On Saturday, 16 advanced weapons and a significant amount of ammunition were surrendered in Tuibong village, located in the tribal-majority Churachandpur district, as reported by officials.
A defence spokesman stated that in response to the Governor’s request, the Assam Rifles, in partnership with Manipur Police, the CRPF, state intelligence agencies, and civil administration, engaged with local Kuki-Zo community leaders. They addressed the community's security concerns, assured them of their safety, and highlighted the benefits of de-weaponization in the region.
“The dialogue was successful as community leaders agreed to return a significant number of arms and ammunition, marking a vital step in the peace process, which has been the stance of the Central government from the outset,” he mentioned.
The spokesman added that they voluntarily surrendered various looted and illegal weapons and ammunition, including an M-16 rifle, a 7.62 mm SLR, two AK series rifles, three INSAS rifles, two M-79 40mm Under Barrel Grenade Launchers, a 9mm Carbine Machine Gun, a 51 mm mortar, three .303 rifles, and two single-barrel rifles. The returned ammunition included 64 gelatine sticks, 10 rounds of 60 mm improvised mortar ammunition, 17 rounds of AK ammunition, 40 rounds of 5.56 mm rifle ammunition, and three rounds of 9 mm ammunition.
Officials from Assam Rifles, CRPF, civil administration, police, and state intelligence agencies were present at the arms return ceremony held in Churachandpur district.
The defence spokesman elaborated that comprehensive efforts were meticulously executed by joint Central and state forces, aiming to encourage other groups to return arms and ammunition as well, thereby advancing the peace process. The joint forces aspire to motivate youth to surrender arms and strive for a brighter future for the region’s overall development, thus facilitating the peace process and putting an end to the ongoing conflict.
On Thursday, Governor Bhalla urged all community members to return arms that were looted from police armouries as well as any illegally held weapons within a week. He warned that failing to surrender these weapons would result in strict legal action for possession of arms.
Reports indicate that during the ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which began on May 3, 2023, over 6,000 various sophisticated arms and hundreds of thousands of ammunition pieces were looted from police stations and outposts by mobs and militants. The security forces have so far recovered a considerable number of these looted arms. The Army, Assam Rifles, several Central Armed Police Forces, and the Manipur Police are actively conducting search operations in various districts to reclaim the stolen arms and ammunition.
Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, the state Home Department, and other authorities have repeatedly urged the populace to return the looted arms and ammunition, but the response has been lackluster.
