IMPHAL, Feb 27: In a significant voluntary arms surrender initiative, the public in multiple districts of Manipur has handed over a variety of weapons, ammunition, and other related items. A total of 104 different weapon types were surrendered across Kangpokpi, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Imphal West, and Kakching districts, according to police reports.

The surrender took place at several locations, including the SP office in Kangpokpi District, where locals handed over six locally made SBBLs, two SLRs, one INSAS rifle, one locally made .22 rifle (without a magazine), assorted ammunition, and a Chinese hand grenade on Wednesday.

In Kakching district, a substantial quantity of arms, ammunition, hand grenades, and other items were turned over to various police stations, Commando units, and outposts. The surrendered materials were displayed at the Office of SP Kakching in the presence of Th. Vikramjit Singh, IPS, SP Kakching.

Meanwhile, in Imphal East, officers at OC Lamlai reported the surrender of two SMG carbines (with one empty magazine), one country-made 9mm pistol (without a magazine), and five grenades. Additional surrenders were recorded at OC-Porompat, where two INSAS rifles were handed in.

At OC-Sagolmang under Sagolmang Police Station, the public also turned in a CMG carbine with two empty magazines, one SBBL gun, one locally made pistol with an empty magazine, one locally made carbine without a magazine, as well as other items.

This arms surrender drive was initiated following a call from Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on February 20, urging warring groups to voluntarily surrender weapons—especially those illegally held or taken from security forces—within seven days. In his statement, Bhalla assured the public that no punitive action would be taken.