News Reporter
Authorities Take Strong Stand Against Unlawful Weapons Possession
Imphal, February 20, 2025: The Manipur government has issued a strong appeal for the surrender of illegally possessed arms and ammunition looted from state armories and other sources. Expressing deep concern over the growing security threat, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has urged individuals in possession of such weapons to hand them over immediately.
Call for Surrender to Restore Peace
Governor Bhalla highlighted the severe impact of ongoing unrest on the people of Manipur, affecting both the Valley and Hill regions for the past 20 months. He stressed that restoring law and order is essential for normalcy to return, allowing citizens to resume their daily lives without fear.
In an official statement, the Governor called upon all individuals, especially the youth, to voluntarily surrender any looted or illegally held weapons to the nearest police station, outpost, or security forces camp within the next seven days. He assured that no punitive action would be taken against those who comply within this timeframe. However, stringent measures will be enforced against those found possessing illegal arms after the deadline.
A Step Towards Lasting Peace
Governor Bhalla emphasized that surrendering these weapons would be a crucial step in rebuilding trust and fostering peace. "A single act of returning these arms can be a powerful gesture toward ensuring security and stability," he stated.
The Manipur government remains committed to resolving the crisis through peaceful means and protecting the future of its people. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a positive response to this initiative. The success of this appeal will play a key role in determining the state’s path toward lasting peace and security.