Return Looted Arms Within A Week: Manipur Governor Appeals To People, Urges To Choose Peace

A week after the implementation of the President's ruling in the unrest Manipur, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla quested residents to surrender looted or illegally possessed weapons. He gave them a week's time to return all arms, which were looted during the communal clashes. The governor has assured that no punitive measures would be taken against those who comply within this timeframe. However, people who keep arms even after a warning may have to face strict actions after the deadline.

"Your single act of returning these weapons can be a powerful gesture towards ensuring peace," Guv Bhalla said. "I want to assure you that no punitive action would be initiated if such weapons are returned within the stipulated time," he added.

Manipur is a sensitive state, that shares an international border with Myanmar and saw violent clashes between the Meitei community and various Kuki tribes following demand for reservation.

Last week, Chief Minister N Biren Singh also stepped down from his post and suspended the Assembly, resulting in the implementation of the President's rule.

Manipur Governor's Appeal for Peace

Governor Bhalla highlighted the hardships faced by Manipur's people over the past 20 months due to ongoing unrest. He stressed the need for peace and urged all communities to work towards restoring normalcy. "People of Manipur, both in valley and hills, have suffered immense hardship for the last over 20 months due to a series of unfortunate incidents affecting peace and communal harmony," he stated.