Manipur Militia Groups Surrender Weapons Following Governor's Appeal

Ethnic militias in conflict-hit Manipur have turned in hundreds of looted firearms after a seven-day amnesty, as New Delhi takes direct control of the state.

Over 300 weapons, including rifles, grenades, and ammunition, have been surrendered by ethnic militias in Manipur, a state plagued by ethnic violence since May 2023.
The disarmament follows a call by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who assured no punitive action for those voluntarily surrendering looted arms within the seven-day amnesty period.
The violence, which has claimed at least 260 lives and displaced 60,000 people, stems from long-standing tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities over land and political representation.
The radical Meitei group Arambai Tenggol surrendered 87 weapons after meeting with the governor and submitting demands, including border fencing and changes to local policies.
President's Rule was imposed in Manipur earlier this month after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned, with hopes that direct control by New Delhi will restore order and reduce ethnic mistrust.