CHURACHANDPUR, Feb 22: Following Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s appeal to surrender looted police weapons and illegally held arms, 16 weapons and additional ammunition were voluntarily handed over to security forces in Tuibong village, Churachandpur district on Saturday. This marks a significant step in the peace process as community leaders from the Zomi and Kuki communities responded positively to the call for de-weaponization.
The Assam Rifles, along with Police, CRPF, State Intelligence Agencies, and State Administration, had engaged with local community leaders to address security concerns and reassure them of their safety. The focus was on the positive impact of de-weaponizing the region, which has been central to the government’s peace-building efforts.
The engagement resulted in Zomi and Kuki community leaders working with the local population and initiating the voluntary surrender of arms and ammunition. In total, the surrendered weapons and ammunition included:
• One M-16 Rifle
• One 7.62 mm SLR
• Two AK Rifles
• Three INSAS Rifles
• Two M-79 40mm Under Barrel Grenade Launchers (UBGL)
• One 9mm Carbine Machine Gun
• One 51 mm Mortar
• Three .303 Rifles
• Two Single Barrel Rifles
• 64 Gelatine Sticks
• Ten rounds of 60 mm Pumpi (improvised Mortar) ammunition
• 17 rounds of AK ammunition
• 40 rounds of 5.56 mm Rifle ammunition
• Three 9mm calibre ammunition
According to an Assam Rifles (AR) statement, this voluntary surrender is being seen as a significant first step toward de-weaponizing the society and fostering a safe and secure atmosphere for regular activities. Authorities are urging the public to continue surrendering any remaining weapons, with expectations of greater cooperation in the coming days.
