By krishika dinesh rathod
The people handed over 109 different types of weapons, as well as varied ammunition and othTer miscellaneous goods, to police and security personnel in four districts of strife-torn Manipur, police said on Friday.
On Thursday, one 9mm CB1A1 pistol, one 9mm magazine, one grenade, ammunition, and two wireless sets, among other items, were surrendered to the Saikul police station in the Kangpokpi district.
Weapons, including one SBBL gun, were handed to the Phougakchao Ikhai police station in Bishnupur district.
Police also reported that rifles and ammunition had been surrendered at various police stations in the Imphal West and Imphal East districts.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla invited the people of the state in February to voluntarily return looted and unlawfully held guns within seven days, ensuring that no disciplinary action would be taken against individuals who surrendered arms within this time.
Since May 2023, ethnic conflict between Imphal valley-based Meiteis and surrounding hills-based Kuki-Zo communities has claimed the lives of over 250 persons and displaced others.
The Centre imposed President’s Rule in the state on February 13, days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned. According to a notice given by the Ministry of the Interior, the Manipur assembly, which will be received until 2027, has been suspended.
In Manipur, there is a voluntary surrender of weapons in the middle of the effort to restore the general situation, which has struggled with violence and unrest for several months. Security forces continue their business to fix illegally organized weapons, which must reduce the risk of moving on. Officials believe that recipes from residents will help stabilize the area and pave the way for peace talks between conflicting societies. In addition, the authorities have assured citizens that those who follow weapons instructions will not have legal consequences. However, strict measures are expected against the persons found in weapons occupation after the deadline