Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla issues 7-day ultimatum for surrender of all illegal and looted weapons, promising no punitive action during this period.
By Aniket Chakraborty
Feb 21, 2025
An estimated 6,000 firearms were looted from police stations and armories since May 2023, with 4,000 still missing and only 30% recovered.
2
Under President's rule since February 13, 2025, following Chief Minister N Biren Singh's resignation amid ongoing ethnic tensions.
3
The conflict has claimed over 250 lives and displaced nearly 50,000 people in the 20-month-long ethnic clash between Meitei and Kuki communities.
4
Sophisticated weapons, including American-origin M series assault rifles and military-grade mortars, are now part of the conflict arsenal.
5
Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei militia, faces accusations of police armory looting while claiming to be a cultural organization defending villages.
6
Kuki-Zo tribes operate under two umbrella organizations - KNO and UPF - with multiple insurgent groups under Suspension of Operations agreement.
7
Previously extinct Meitei militant groups have returned from Myanmar after May 2023, complicating the security situation.
8
Both communities are using advanced weaponry including sniper rifles, surveillance drones, and rocket-propelled grenades.
9
Joint security forces face the challenge of protecting civilians who surrender weapons from potential militant attacks from either side.