Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on August 12 issued a 15-day deadline for people possessing illegal weapons in the state to surrender them, warning of strict legal action against those who fail to comply.
Speaking at an event titled “Display on the Initiatives towards bringing Normalcy in Manipur” at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in Imphal, Singh said illegal weapons held in both the hills and the valley must be surrendered through local MLAs or the respective Superintendents of Police.
He warned that anyone who does not surrender such weapons within the stipulated 15 days would face legal consequences.
Reviewing the security situation since his government assumed office on February 4, 2026, the Chief Minister said coordinated operations by the Manipur Police, Central Armed Police Forces, Army, Assam Rifles and other security agencies had resulted in the recovery of 1,422 firearms, more than 7,000 rounds of ammunition and 1,137 explosives between February and August.
During the same period, security forces arrested 491 extremists, while anti-narcotics operations were also intensified as part of efforts to protect young people from drug abuse.
Reflecting on the crisis that began in Manipur on May 3, 2023, Singh said the prolonged conflict had severely affected the state’s development. He said the stabilisation measures undertaken during the period of President’s Rule helped create conditions for renewed peace efforts.
The Chief Minister also referred to his recent visit to Jiribam, where he shared a meal with representatives of the Hmar, Paite, Meitei and Meitei Pangal communities as part of efforts to build trust among different groups.
Singh praised the state’s security leadership, including Director General of Police Mukesh Singh, for the recovery and display of the large cache of arms.
Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam separately warned groups and individuals involved in extortion, intimidation or harassment of transporters operating along the National Highways.
Konthoujam said the government would take strict action against such activities and indicated that the National Security Act (NSA) would be invoked against those involved in disrupting highway operations.
The programme also featured the screening of a short documentary highlighting government initiatives and the release of “Manipur Marches to Peace,” a publication compiled by the Department of Information and Public Relations.
Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, cabinet ministers, senior civil servants and senior police officials attended the event.