Manipur Extends Deadline for Surrendering Illegal Weapons to March 6

Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla granted the extension following public requests, as efforts to recover looted arms aim to restore peace after ethnic violence.

The original seven-day deadline for surrendering looted and illegal weapons, set on February 20, has been extended to 4 PM on March 6 at the request of residents from both hill and valley regions.
The extension follows limited compliance, with approximately 2,500 of an estimated 6,500 looted weapons recovered since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023.
Governor Bhalla assured that no punitive action will be taken against those surrendering weapons before the deadline, but strict legal measures will follow for non-compliance after March 6.
Ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities have left at least 260 dead, displaced 60,000 people, and led to the looting of arms from state armories and police stations.
The state is currently under President's Rule following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, with efforts to disarm groups seen as a step toward restoring peace and security.