Manipur Governor Issues 7-Day Ultimatum to Surrender Looted Weapons Amid President’s Rule

In a decisive move to restore peace and order in the violence-stricken state of Manipur, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla issued a stern 7-day ultimatum on Thursday, urging residents, particularly the youth, to surrender looted and illegally held weapons. The directive comes just days after the imposition of President’s Rule in the northeastern state, signaling a robust push by authorities to address the ongoing ethnic conflict that has plagued Manipur for over 20 months.

A Call for Peace After Months of Turmoil

Governor Bhalla’s appeal follows the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on February 9, 2025, and the subsequent imposition of President’s Rule on February 13, prompted by the central government’s assessment that the state’s administration could no longer function constitutionally. The ethnic violence, which erupted on May 3, 2023, between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, has resulted in over 250 deaths, displaced approximately 60,000 people, and seen the looting of an estimated 6,000 firearms from police stations and armouries.

In his statement, the Governor highlighted the toll of the unrest: “People of Manipur, both in the valley and hills, have suffered immense hardship for the last over 20 months due to a series of unfortunate incidents affecting peace and communal harmony. In the greater interest of restoring normalcy, all communities in the state must come forward to ensure cessation of hostilities.” He emphasized that the voluntary surrender of weapons within the stipulated period—effective from February 20 - would be met with amnesty, assuring that no punitive action would be taken against those who comply. However, he warned that “strict action” would follow for those found in possession of illegal arms after the deadline.

The Scale of the Arms Crisis

The proliferation of looted firearms has significantly escalated the conflict, with sophisticated weapons, including American-origin M-series assault rifles, falling into the hands of civilians and militant groups. Official estimates suggest that while 30% of the looted arms have been recovered, approximately 4,000 firearms remain unaccounted for. This alarming situation has prompted the Governor’s ultimatum, with security forces reportedly gearing up for an “all-out” recovery operation should the voluntary surrender fall short.

The directive targets not only looted weapons but also illegally held arms, urging individuals to deposit them at the nearest police stations, outposts, or security forces camps. “This single act of returning weapons can be a powerful gesture towards ensuring peace,” Bhalla stated, framing the move as a critical step toward reconciliation and normalcy.

Context of President’s Rule

The ultimatum comes against the backdrop of heightened central control following the imposition of President’s Rule under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution. Chief Minister Singh’s resignation, amid mounting pressure from opposition parties and internal dissent within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), paved the way for the Centre to assume direct governance. The Manipur Legislative Assembly, with a tenure until 2027, has been placed in suspended animation, transferring administrative and security responsibilities to the Governor.

The ethnic strife, initially sparked by a court recommendation to extend tribal benefits to the Meitei community, has deepened divisions between the valley-dwelling Meiteis and the hill-based Kuki-Zo groups. The breakdown of state machinery, coupled with allegations of partisan conduct by security forces, has further complicated efforts to restore stability.

Security Forces on High Alert

Security agencies, already stretched thin by ongoing operations, have intensified their efforts in recent days, seizing caches of rifles, pistols, grenades, and mortars across various districts. The Governor’s ultimatum is seen as a precursor to a broader crackdown, with forces poised to launch targeted operations to recover remaining weapons if the 7-day window does not yield results. The presence of over 20,000 central armed police personnel, alongside the Indian Army and Assam Rifles, underscores the scale of the challenge.

A Critical Juncture for Manipur

As the February 27 deadline approaches, Manipur stands at a crossroads. The success of the Governor’s ultimatum hinges on the willingness of communities to trust the process and the ability of security forces to enforce it without deepening mistrust. For a state weary of violence and displacement, the next seven days could mark a turning point - or a prelude to further confrontation.

Governor Bhalla’s message was clear: “The government is committed to ensuring a peaceful resolution and safeguarding the future of our youth.” Whether this commitment translates into tangible progress remains to be seen, as Manipur braces for a critical week ahead.