Mugdha Das

Manipur: Arambai Tenggol surrenders over 300 weapons on last day of deadline

Digital Desk: In a significant development, valley-based Meitei organization Arambai Tenggol, on Thursday, surrendered over 300 illegally held weapons at the Banquet Hall of 1st Manipur Rifles in Imphal, Manipur.

The move comes in response to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s ultimatum, urging all individuals and groups to return looted or illegally possessed firearms and weapons in a bid to restore peace in the strife-torn northeastern region.

On February 25, the Arambai Tenggol leadership submitted a memorandum to the Governor, outlining their willingness to comply with the directive.

However, they also requested assurances against legal action for village volunteers, including members of their group.
The appeal sought a commitment from the government that no arrests or punitive measures would be taken against them by any commission, tribunal, or court.

The Manipur governor, in an order issued on February 20, had assured that no legal action would be initiated against those who voluntarily surrendered weapons within the stipulated seven-day deadline, which expired yesterday.

The surrender of arms by Arambai Tenggol is expected to mark a crucial step toward de-escalating tensions in the conflict-ridden state.

Security forces, including the Army, Assam Rifles, BSF, and Manipur Police, have intensified operations in recent days to recover weapons and curb militant activities.

With thousands of weapons looted during the ethnic violence, authorities are hopeful that this surrender will set a precedent for other groups and individuals to follow suit, bringing Manipur closer to stability and peace.