'Surrender looted weapons within seven days': Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla's ultimatum

Ajay Kumar Bhalla

With Manipur continuing to be under President's Rule, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Thursday appealed to all communities, especially the state's youth to surrender looted weapons within seven days.

In a statement, the Manipur Governor assured the citizens of Manipur that no "punitive" action would be taken against those surrendering the weapons within the stipulated time. "The people of all communities, particularly the youths in the Valley...to voluntarily come forward and surrender looted and illegally held weapons & ammunition to the nearest Police Station/Outpost/Security Forces," said Bhalla in a statement. "Your single act of returning these weapons can be a powerful gesture towards ensuring peace," the statement read.

The Centre imposed President's rule in Manipur on February 13 after chief minister N Biren Singh resigned from his post. Biren Singh's resignation came amid tensions in the northeastern state after violence erupted between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Though Meitei community members expressed their unhappiness with Singh's resignation, Kukis welcomed the Centre's move. Biren Singh's resignation came after he met with Amit Shah in Delhi.

The governor's move comes a week after the Centre imposed President’s rule in Manipur under Article 356 of the Constitution and suspended the state assembly following the chief minister’s resignation.

The Congress was all set to move a no-confidence motion in the Assembly when Biren Singh announced his resignation.

The Governor appealed to all communities in the state to come forward and ensure the cessation of hostilities and maintenance of peace and order in the society. "The Government is committed to ensuring a peaceful resolution of the situation and safeguarding the future of our youth," the statement read.