“Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Friday (February 28, 2025) extended the deadline for the surrender of looted and illegal arms until 4 p.m. on March 6, 2025, following demands by people from both hill and valley areas for additional time,” an official statement said.
“Upon the expiry of the seven-day deadline for the voluntary surrender of arms, there have been requests from both the valley and hill areas to extend the period. I have considered these requests and decided to extend the deadline until 4 p.m. on March 6,” the statement read.
It further assured that no punitive action would be taken against those who surrender their weapons within this period, emphasising that “this is the last opportunity for everyone concerned to contribute to peace, communal harmony, the future of our youth and the security of our society.” Mr. Bhalla had, on February 20, 2025, urged warring groups to voluntarily surrender weapons robbed from security forces and other illegally held arms within seven days, the deadline of which ended on Thursday (February 27, 2025.)
During the seven-day period, more than 300 weapons were surrendered by the public, primarily in the valley districts. More than 250 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.
The Centre had imposed President’s rule in the State on February 13, 2025 after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned. The State Assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.
When can President’s Rule be imposed? | Explained
109 weapons surrendered in four Manipur districts
Meanwhile, police said on February 28, 2025 that 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.
At Saikul police station in Kangpokpi district, one 9mm CB1A1 pistol, one 9mm magazine, one grenade, cartridges, and two wireless sets, along with other items, were surrendered on Thursday (February 27, 2025.) Weapons, including one SBBL gun, were surrendered at Phougakchao Ikhai police station in Bishnupur district.
“Additionally, arms and ammunition were surrendered in various police stations in Imphal West and Imphal East districts,” police added.
