Arambai Tengol surrenders illegal arms on Manipur Guv’s appeal as seven-day deadline ends

The Meetei armed youth group, Arambai Tengol, surrendered a large number of weapons on Thursday following an appeal by the state’s Governor. 

The surrender took place at the 1st Manipur Rifles (MR) ground, where the group arrived in large numbers, accompanied by women supporters.

Security was heightened in the region, with a large deployment of police and paramilitary forces ensuring law and order during the event. 

Meanwhile, the exact number of weapons handed over is yet to be ascertained.

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

Earlier, Manipur Chief Secretary Prakash Kumar Singh strongly urged individuals in possession of unauthorised firearms to surrender them, warning them of strict action against non-compliance. He asserted that the deadline was sufficient and dismissed concerns that a week was too short a time for compliance. 

"The return of looted weapons is the first and foremost step towards restoring peace in the state," Singh stated during a distribution event in Imphal East last Wednesday. He also cautioned that authorities would begin operations to seize weapons if they were not voluntarily returned within the given timeframe.

The surrender by Arambai Tengol marks a crucial step in the state’s efforts to curb violence and bring stability. The government is expected to continue its crackdown on illegal arms to ensure lasting peace in Manipur.