Synopsis
In response to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla's appeal for the return of looted arms and ammunition, a resident of Kakching district returned a significant cache of weapons. The governor emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need for community cooperation to ensure safety and security in the region.Key Takeaways
- Governor Bhalla urged citizens to return looted weapons.
- A significant return of arms occurred in Kakching district.
- More returns are anticipated in the coming days.
- The illegal circulation of arms poses serious threats.
- President's Rule was declared recently in the state.
Imphal, Feb 22 (NationPress) Following the appeal from Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Thursday for residents to return looted arms and ammunition within a week, a local individual in Kakching district returned a significant amount of these items to officials on Friday.
A senior police representative confirmed that the individual responded positively to the Governor's request, handing over a substantial cache of weapons to the Kakching District Superintendent of Police Thokchom Vikramjit Singh.
The returned items include a .303 Rifle with a magazine, thirteen .303 ammunition, four bulletproof vests, five bulletproof plates, and four security helmets.
The police are optimistic that additional weapons will be returned in the days ahead.
The Governor had previously expressed serious concern regarding the illegal circulation of arms and ammunition that were either stolen or unlawfully acquired from various locations, including state armories. He warned that strict measures would be enforced against those retaining such weapons after the seven-day deadline.
This appeal from the Governor came shortly after President Droupadi Murmu declared President's Rule in the state on February 13, leading to a suspension of the state Assembly.
According to the Governor, the citizens of Manipur, both from the valleys and hills, have endured significant challenges over the past twenty months due to incidents that disrupted peace and communal harmony.
Reports indicate that during the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023, over 6,000 sophisticated weapons and vast amounts of ammunition were looted from police stations and outposts by mobs and militants.
Security forces have managed to recover a considerable portion of the looted items.
The Army, Assam Rifles, various Central Armed Police Forces, and Manipur police routinely conduct search operations across districts to retrieve the stolen arms.
Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, alongside the state Home Department and other officials, has repeatedly urged the public to return the looted arms, but the response has been lacking.
Governor Bhalla, who took office on January 3, has met with community leaders, civil society representatives, and district officials in an effort to foster peace in the region.
On Friday, he also convened a meeting with Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, Director General of Assam Rifles, at Raj Bhavan, to discuss the operational activities of the Assam Rifles in the area.
