Manipur CM Gives 15-Day Deadline to Surrender Illegal Weapons
Chief Minister Khemchand Singh announced a 15-day window for surrendering illegal weapons, while the Home Minister warned of strict action against extortion and intimidation on national highways.
IMPHAL- Manipur Chief Minister Khemchand Singh has given people in possession of illegal weapons in both the hills and valley 15 days to surrender them, as the state government steps up efforts to restore peace following the prolonged crisis.
Speaking at a function titled “Display on the Initiatives towards bringing Normalcy in Manipur” at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in Imphal on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said illegal weapons should be surrendered through the respective Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) or Superintendent of Police (SP).
He warned that those who fail to surrender the weapons within the stipulated period would face action according to law.
CM links arms surrender to peace efforts
Khemchand Singh said the state’s development had been adversely affected since the crisis began on May 3, 2023.
He said that following the formation of the new government on February 4, 2026, peace outreach initiatives were undertaken in different districts with the objective of establishing lasting peace. He also said the law-and-order situation had been stabilised during the period of President’s Rule.
The Chief Minister highlighted his visit to Jiribam, where he met representatives of the Hmar, Paite, Meitei and Meitei Pangal communities. According to him, members of the different communities shared a meal and agreed to work together towards peace, helping bridge what he described as a trust deficit.
He said the government had continued its peace efforts by visiting places that could not previously be reached because of the crisis.
Over 1,400 firearms recovered since February
The Chief Minister said the arms and ammunition displayed at the programme had been recovered by security personnel between February 5, 2026, and August 12.
He said more than 1,400 weapons had been recovered during the period and commended the security teams involved in the operations.
The recoveries were made through sustained efforts involving the Manipur Police, Border Security Force, Assam Rifles, CRPF, Army and other security and law-enforcement agencies.
1,422 firearms and 1,137 explosives recovered
DGP Mukesh Singh provided further details, stating that between February and August 2026, security forces and law-enforcement agencies recovered 1,422 firearms, more than 7,000 rounds of ammunition and 1,137 explosives.
He also said 491 extremists had been arrested during the period.
The DGP added that the Manipur Police had strengthened anti-narcotics operations in the state as part of efforts to protect young people.
The figures correspond with the arms and ammunition display held at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, where authorities showcased recoveries made during security operations.
Home Minister warns highway extortionists
Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam issued a separate warning against organisations or individuals allegedly involved in extortion, intimidation or harassment of transporters along National Highways.
He said the government would initiate strict action against such activities and was considering booking extortionists and other offenders operating along the National Highways under the National Security Act (NSA).
The warning comes as the government links restoration of normalcy not only with the recovery of illegal weapons but also with maintaining secure transportation routes and preventing intimidation and extortion.
Government highlights peace initiatives
During the programme, the Department of Information and Public Relations distributed a publication titled “Manipur Marches to Peace”, documenting government initiatives.
A short video highlighting measures taken by the government was also screened.
The programme was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Art & Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, MLAs, and senior civil and police officials, among others.
The government’s latest announcement places the surrender of illegal weapons at the centre of its current peace and normalisation efforts, while simultaneously signalling tougher enforcement against armed activity, extortion and intimidation.
