Manipur CM gives 15-day deadline to surrender looted weapons, warns of legal action

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on August 12 gave people holding looted or unauthorised weapons 15 days to surrender them, warning that those found with illegal arms after the deadline would face action under relevant laws.

The chief minister made the announcement at a programme organised by the Home Department at the 1st Manipur Rifles Ground to showcase government initiatives aimed at restoring normalcy in the violence-hit state.

Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Khemchand said the government was making every effort to restore peace, while commending the state and central security forces for their role in recovering weapons.

He said the large number of weapons being surrendered voluntarily was an indication that people in Manipur wanted peace.

According to the chief minister, 1,422 firearms, 7,010 rounds of ammunition and 1,137 explosives have been recovered between February 2026, when the present government was formed, and August 11. He said some weapons were still to be recovered.

Khemchand said the government had initially refrained from registering cases against people found with weapons, taking into account the circumstances in which they had acquired them during the crisis.

However, he said the situation in Manipur had improved considerably and there was no longer any justification for people to possess, conceal or retain illegal weapons.

He appealed to those still holding such weapons to surrender them within 15 days through their respective MLAs or the police in their districts.

“Anyone who is arrested with illegal, unauthorised or looted weapons after 15 days will be booked under specific acts and rules,” he warned.

Recalling the violence that erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023, Khemchand said the prolonged crisis had caused immense suffering and created a deep trust deficit between communities.

He said the gradual recovery and surrender of weapons reflected the state's movement towards peace and normalcy. The government, he added, was continuing its outreach to different communities and holding dialogues, which he described as the only way to restore peace and rebuild trust.

The chief minister also said security forces were continuing efforts to ensure the movement of essential commodities despite blockades along national highways.

The programme featured a display of the weapons recovered so far and the screening of a short film titled “Manipur Marches to Peace”.

Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Tourism Minister Kh Loken Singh, Director General of Police, security adviser and senior officials from various departments attended the programme.