Manipur Governor Ajay Bhalla on Thursday asked people from all communities to surrender looted and illegally held weapons within seven days and assured that no punitive action would be taken against those who comply with the ultimatum.
He also assured that no punitive action would be initiated if such weapons were returned within the stipulated time. “Thereafter, strict action will be taken for possession of such weapons,” said the Governor.
On February 9, Biren Singh, who was heading the BJP government in Manipur, resigned as chief minister after nearly 21 months of ethnic violence.
“It is in this regard that I sincerely request people of all communities, particularly the youths in the Valley and Hills, to voluntarily come forward and surrender the looted and illegally held weapons and ammunition to the nearest police station, outpost, security forces camp within the next seven days, with effect from today. Your single act of returning these weapons can be a powerful gesture toward ensuring peace. I want to assure you that no punitive action will be initiated if such weapons are returned within the stipulated time. Thereafter, strict action will be taken for possession of such weapons,” the statement added.
The violence in Manipur began in May 2023 and saw brutal clashes between the majority Meitei community in the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo tribal groups in the surrounding hills, resulting in over 250 deaths besides displacing thousands of people.
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