Imphal: Members of Arambai Tenggol voluntarily surrendered their weapons on Thursday at the 1st Battalion of Manipur Rifles in Imphal West under tight security.
This development follows a recent meeting between the group’s representatives and Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan, during which they submitted a memorandum outlining their demands.
The surrender of weapons aligns with the Governor’s appeal for a seven-day voluntary submission of illegally held or looted firearms by individuals and groups as part of ongoing efforts to end the prolonged crisis in the state. The surrendered weapons were transported in pick-up trucks to the designated site.
However, media personnel gathered near the 1st Manipur Rifles premises expressed frustration as they were denied entry to cover the event.
According to police officials, a total of 307 weapons were surrendered across both the hill and valley districts of Manipur. Of these, 246 weapons were handed over at the 1st Manipur Rifles campus in Imphal West.
Various groups, including youth volunteers, community leaders, civil society organizations, and women’s organizations, played a crucial role in facilitating the surrender of these illegally held arms and ammunition, officials said. An official stated that the voluntary surrender of weapons will significantly contribute to restoring peace, communal harmony, and law and order in Manipur.
With the seven-day deadline for voluntary submission concluding today, authorities have urged all concerned individuals, especially youths, to surrender any illegally held firearms at the nearest police station, outpost, or security force camp. Civil society organizations, community leaders, and women’s organizations have also been requested to continue assisting in this effort. Officials reiterated that no punitive action would be taken against individuals who voluntarily surrender their weapons during this period. However, after the deadline, anyone found in possession of illegal or looted arms will face strict legal consequences.
Earlier, in their memorandum submitted to Governor Bhalla, Arambai Tenggol demanded fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border, implementation of the National Register of Citizens with 1951 as the cut-off year, and deportation of illegal immigrants. The group also called for the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations agreement and stringent action against Kuki groups violating it.
Another key demand was that no arrest or legal action be initiated against village volunteers, including Arambai Tenggol members, by any commission, tribunal, or court. Additionally, the group sought the inclusion of the Meitei community under the Scheduled Tribes category.
Following their meeting with the Governor, Arambai Tenggol spokesperson Robin Mangang confirmed to the media that the group had agreed to surrender weapons within the seven-day deadline under certain terms and conditions. However, the specifics of these conditions remain undisclosed. The voluntary surrender of arms is seen as a crucial step towards easing tensions and paving the way for stability in the conflict-hit state.
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