'Seven days more than enough': Manipur Chief Secretary warns on weapon surrender

Manipur Chief Secretary Prakash Kumar Singh has urged the immediate surrender of unauthorised weapons within the next seven days, warning of strict action against non-compliance. He emphasised that the government’s seven-day deadline is more than sufficient for individuals to return such weapons.

 

The return of looted weapons is "the first and foremost step" to restore peace in the state, Singh said while speaking at a distribution event in Imphal East on Wednesday. "Looted weapons still in private hands are very dangerous as they pose a threat to society."

 

Dismissing concerns about the week-long deadline being too short, Singh stated, "If they can deposit or surrender, they can surrender in one day." He warned that authorities would launch operations to collect weapons if they were not voluntarily returned within the stipulated timeframe.

 

Speaking at the sidelines of an event where bicycles were distributed to displaced students and looms to displaced women under CSR initiatives, Singh outlined the government's multi-pronged approach to restoring normalcy. Key focus areas include securing national highways, building confidence among communities, and resettling internally displaced persons (IDPs).

 

Regarding the safety of national highways, Singh said that they are putting a lot of effort into ensuring safe passage along national highways. "However, the government couldn’t tell the exact period. There is a need for extra deployment of forces along national highways. This step will take up soon." He also addressed concerns about displaced persons, assuring support for their well-being and eventual resettlement.

 

The distribution programme, organised by the DC Imphal East at the Panchayat Bhavan in DC Office complex Porompat, was supported by the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited and National Handloom Development Programme.