Surrender looted weapons: Manipur Governor's 7-day ultimatum

Manipur governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has urged people from all communities to surrender looted and illegally held weapons within seven days, assuring that no punitive action would be taken against those who comply.In his appeal, governor Ajay Bhalla on Thursday said the people of Manipur, both in the valley and hills, have endured immense hardship for over 20 months due to a series of unfortunate incidents affecting communal harmony."In the greater interest of restoring normalcy, so that people can return to their normal day-to-day activities, all communities in the state must come forward to ensure cessation of hostilities and maintenance of peace and order in society," the Governor said in an official statement.

To restore peace and normalcy in the state, Governor of Manipur, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, has urged the people, especially the youth, to voluntarily surrender looted and illegally held weapons. pic.twitter.com/z3YFhl7NVS

— RAJ BHAVAN MANIPUR (@RajBhavManipur) February 20, 2025

President's rule was imposed in Manipur last week and the state assembly was put under suspended animation, days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from his post.The violence in Manipur began in May 2023 and saw brutal clashes between the majority Meitei community in the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo tribal groups in the surrounding hills, resulting in over 250 deaths besides displacing thousands of people.