In a daring move aimed at restoring normality to Manipur, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla gives a seven-day ultimatum to all the residents for the surrender of all looted and illegally held weapons. The Governor’s ultimatum comes in light of just over 20 months of sporadic and violent ethnic unrest that has taken a severe toll on life in both the valley and hill regions of the state.
Governor’s Call for Disarmament
In coping for the people of Manipur, Governor Bhalla laid emphasis on the collective suffering endured for a long time-by the people subjected to conflict. He invited people, mostly young members of the society, to surrender any unauthorized weapons voluntarily to the police station, outpost, or the nearest security force camp.
The Governor indicated that in case of compliance within seven days, no penalties would be incurred. However, those who got found in possession of any illegal weapons after the period would be dealt with strictly.
Context of the Ultimatum
The Governor`s proclamations have come in the wake of President’s Rule being clamped on Manipur on February 13, 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The region was plagued by ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023 and claimed more than a quarter-century. The axis of the violence had also been aggravated by weapon looting from the police and the security forces, so illegal weapons were simply on the rise.
Recent Security Operations
Alongside the Governorship invoke on disarmament, security operations to stem violence have intensified. Many militants have been arrested in recent times, including their members of the United Kuki National Army and the banned Kangleipak Communist Party.
A huge haul of weapons has also been recovered across different districts. These include rifles, pistols, grenades, and mortars. The operations are intended to dismantle the militant outfits and secure the recovery of looted weapons.
Community Response
An ultimatum of the Governor drew mixed reactions from different organizations in the community. COCOMI, the Cooperating Committee on Manipur Integrity voicing the opinions of the Meitei community, disapproved of the imposition of President’s Rule, considering it an undemocratic step further worsening the predicament in the region.
In contrast, the Kuki Inpi, the apex body of the Kuki tribes, welcomed the intervention by reiterating their call for a separate administration under Article 239(A) of the Constitution.
Call for Unity and Peace
Concurring with Bhalla was Governor Bhalla, who concluded the appeal, stating that the government was further committed to the peaceful resolution of the crisis and protection of youth in the state. He called upon all communities to cease hostilities and come together to restore normalcy, saying: “Let us together build our state with hope and trust for some good days ahead. Walk towards peace.”
As all eyes are on the seven-day ultimatum, attention will be on how individuals and groups respond to the order of disarmament and the effect this has on Manipur’s quest for peace.
