March 1, 2025 : More than 4,100 firearms have been voluntarily surrendered in Manipur as part of efforts to restore peace and public safety, sources report.
The initiative began on May 31, 2023, following an appeal by former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, urging citizens to return illegally held weapons and uphold law and order. He warned of strict legal action against unauthorized possession of arms and called for the removal of road blockades to ensure the smooth supply of essential goods.
By the time Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2025, authorities had received 3,422 surrendered firearms. The momentum continued under Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who reiterated the appeal on February 20, 2025.
During Governor Appeal 1.0, approximately 700 additional firearms were surrendered, with Arambai Tenggol alone returning 246 weapons.
Out of the 6,020 firearms looted during the crisis, the public now awaits further updates on how many more weapons will be surrendered under Governor Appeal 2.0, which has extended the deadline for voluntary surrender until March 6.
