NEW DELHI: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Thursday issued a seven-day ultimatum, urging residents to surrender illegally held weapons or face strict action. In an appeal to both the Valley and Hills communities, Bhalla called for an end to hostilities and a collective effort to restore peace.
Addressing the youth in particular, the governor urged them to voluntarily return looted or illegally possessed firearms to the nearest police station, security outpost, or camp.
“Returning these weapons can be a powerful gesture toward ensuring peace. I assure you that no punitive action will be taken if they are surrendered within the stipulated time. However, beyond this period, strict action will be enforced against those in possession of such weapons,” Bhalla warned.
Call for Peace Amid Prolonged Unrest
Acknowledging the hardships endured by Manipur’s people over the past 20 months due to persistent violence, Bhalla emphasized the need for a united effort to restore normalcy.
“For the greater good of the state, all communities must come forward to end hostilities and maintain peace and order,” he stated.
The ultimatum comes at a time when security forces have intensified crackdowns on militant groups, with multiple arrests, including members of the United Kuki National Army and the banned Kangleipak Communist Party.
Surge in Arms Seizures and Security Measures
Over the past two days, authorities have seized a significant cache of arms and ammunition, including rifles, pistols, grenades, and mortars, from various districts. The escalating stockpiling of illegal weapons has raised serious concerns, prompting repeated calls for disarmament.
The imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13 has further heightened security efforts. This move followed the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid prolonged ethnic violence that has claimed over 250 lives since May 2023.
Tensions escalated further after the state government withdrew from the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the Kuki National Army and other armed groups, reigniting clashes.
Divided Reactions to President’s Rule
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a Meitei civil society group, condemned the imposition of President’s Rule as “undemocratic” and an attempt to destabilize the state further.
In contrast, the Kuki Inpi, the apex body representing Kuki tribes, welcomed it as a “necessary intervention” and reiterated their demand for a separate administration under Article 239(A) of the Constitution.
With tensions running high, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether Bhalla’s ultimatum leads to disarmament or further unrest.
