70% of Manipur weapons surrendered after guv call
NEW DELHI: Nearly 70% of the weapons surrendered in Manipur in response to the call given by governor Ajay Bhalla last month, came from four Valley districts — Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishnupur.
As per CRPF sources, 991 weapons were surrendered between Feb 20 and expiry of the deadline set by the governor to voluntarily return the weapons looted following the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur in May 2023.
Around 11,526 ammunition items, 366 hand grenades, 230 bombs and 10 IEDs were also surrendered by the rebels or protesters across state, during this period.
The biggest chunk of weapons were turned in by rebels in Imphal West; the Valley district witnessed the surrender of 349 arms, 2,460 ammunition, 115 grenades, 2 bombs and 1 IED. Imphal West saw 204 arms, 5,764 ammunition, 109 grenades and 45 bombs returned to the authorities.
Thoubal and Bishnupur accounted for the surrender of 124 weapons, 1,329 ammunition, 58 grenades, 9 bombs and 2 IEDs, over the 15-day period. Districts occupying parts of the Valley and hills as well as the hill districts — saw fewer surrenders.
Sources said 4,500 weapons have been recovered from across Manipur since ethnic violence broke out, of which around 1,050 were surrendered. Remaining were seized by police and security forces during raids and searches.
