'Last opportunity': Deadline for voluntary surrender of arms in Manipur extended to March 6

NEW DELHI:

Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla

on Friday extended the deadline for voluntary surrender of arms to March 6, 4 pm as the earlier deadline for the same expired on February 28. In this window of seven days, a total of 109 different types of weapons along with various ammunition and other miscellaneous items were surrendered by the public to police and security forces in four districts of strife-torn Manipur.
"Upon expiry of the seven days deadline for voluntary surrender of such arms, there has been demand from both valley and hill areas to extend the period for surrender. I have considered the request and decided to extend the deadline up-to 4pm of 06 March 2025 for voluntary surrender of such arms. All those who are still holding such arms are requested to voluntarily come forward and surrender looted and illegally held weapons & ammunition to the nearest Police Station/Outpost/Security Forces Camp by the given deadline i.e. 06 March 2025," the governor's order said.
"During this period no punitive action will be taken against the individuals who voluntarily surrender weapons. However, any person found in possession of illegal or looted arms after the given deadline will face legal action as per law. Further, the police and security forced would be taking up extensive operations after the said deadline," the order said adding that this will be the last opportunity to surrender the arms.
More than 250 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.

The Centre had imposed President's rule in the state on February 13, days after chief minister N Biren Singh resigned from his post. The Manipur assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.