Since Manipur’s time limit for surrender

New Delhi: Almost 22 months after ethnic violence broke out in Manipur, a huge cache of looted arms and ammunition in the hands of militant groups remains. While some weapons have been surrendered under pressure from the state government, much of the sophisticated arsenal does not remain considered, which raises concerns about the ongoing security crisis in the region.>

On February 20, Manipur Governor Ajay Bhalla issued a public appeal who called on residents to return stolen and illegally held weapons and called it a “powerful gesture against securing peace.” However, as the deadline of February 27 approached, there was a little moving. Bhalla extended the deadline to March 6 and warned of serious consequences for non -compliance.>

Larger cache>

On February 25, 2025, members of the imphal-based militant group of Arambai Tenggol met with Bhalla to discuss ways to restore peace in the state.>

Arambai Tenggol is a Meitei radical group known for its involvement in the ongoing ethnic conflict and its role in mobilizing armed young people during the violence.>

After their meeting with Bhalla on February 27, the last day of the first deadline, Arambai Tenggol surrendered 246 weapons of 1. Manipur Rifles (MR) complex in Imphal West. Another 61 weapons were handed over in various Hill and Valley areas, which brought the total number to 307. The Manipur police released daily updates on X regarding the weapons of abandoned.>

However, the abandoned cache represents only a fraction of the weapons looted since the violence began. The thread has learned that Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun had taken a much larger number, much of which is back in circulation. Despite the police routinely surrendering weapons on X, they have, in particular, left out any reference to those striking by Arambai Tenggol, who remains under the investigation of the National Investigation Agency for its alleged role in the looting of a manipur rifle complex.>

Arms>

Since May 3, 2023, militant factions in Imphal have collected a large number of stolen arms, including:>

• Insas rifles
• AK-47s
• Mortar
• Carbi
• Lightweight machine gun
• Mp5 rifles
• Bulletproof jackets
• Hand grenades
• Bombs
• SLRS
• Guns
• Gf -rifles
• .303 rifles
• Medium machine gun (MMGS)
• AK Assault Rifles
• M-16s
• Manipur -Police Uniforms

Despite the government’s efforts, only a fraction of these weapons has been recovered – primarily basic firearms. In particular, not a single bulletproof jacket is returned by Arambai Tenggol. A total of 6,000 weapons were looted in manipur for various periods since May 3, 2023 by “The Meitei Militia”, as reported by The new Indian Express. On the evening of March 6, 1,044 arms and 14,779 ammunition rounds were surrendered to security forcesaccording to IndianExpress. However, only 246 weapons were surrendered by Arambai Tenggol, while the rest were surrendered by the public across different districts in manipur.>

Reports and requirements from opposition parties have indicated that approximately 6,000 arms And over 600,000 ammunition rounds had been looted by Meitei militia.>

Some of the aforementioned weapons were surrendered in other districts but no one has been identified as having been returned by Arambai Tenggol by Manipur -Police that has sent Daily updates on abandoned weapons on X. No list of weapons actually surrendered by Arambai Tenggol has yet been published by the Manipur Police.>

The thread also reached out to Manipur DGP Rajiv Singh to inquire about the number of arms abandoned from the total looted weapons. We have not yet received a response from DGP. >

Arambai Tenggol has been named in several fours filed by the Kuki-Zo community connecting the group with events with violence and killing. Since ethnic clashes broke out on May 3, 2023, over 6,500 FIRS ARE REGISTED IN MANIPURThere documents widespread destruction and the use of looted weapons in attack.>

Manipur Commando uniforms>

In June 2023, an intelligence agency revealed that a group had arranged 500 manipur uniforms, ordering a tailor in the Bishnupur district to sew them. >

In September 2023, Arambai Tenggol -militant, dressed in policeman’s uniforms, tried to break through security checks and move towards pallel. The confrontation left 45 people injured and several Kuki-Zo-owned stores were set on fire. A report on The caravan also indicated The Manipur -Police Personalties were seen the protection of Arambai Tenggol -Members in Pallel.>

Uncertainty>

With the deadline of March 6 for the surrender of weapons past, it is still unclear whether Manipur’s armed groups will comply or whether another extension will follow. This is not the first time the manipur authorities have called on people to surrender weapons. Similar appeals have been made in the past, but with limited success.>

Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh made the least Two official requests Before surrender of weapons.>

Local MLAs created Drop boxes in different areas to encourage voluntary surrender.>

The Union’s Home Minister Amit Shah also issued a public appeal for people to Put your arms down.>

Despite these repeated efforts, only a small number of weapons were surrendered, which raised concerns about continuous militarization and security challenges in the state.>

Since the violence broke out in Manipur, more than 250 people have been killed and over 60,000 have been displaced. The state remains deeply divided, with physical and social barriers separating community members of the Kuki-Zo community are unable to enter the capital, Imphal, while Meiteis cannot travel to Hill districts.>