Arms recovered between Feb 5 and Aug 11 showcased
CM gives 15 days to surrender all illegal arms
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 12 2026: Chief Minister Yumnam Khem-chand today issued a 15-day ultimatum to all individuals in possession of illegal arms and ammunition to surrender them to their respective MLAs or Superintendents of Police (SsP), warning that those who fail to comply will face legal action.

The warning came as the State Government show-cased a massive cache of 1,422 arms, 7,010 rounds of ammunition and 1,137 explosives recovered by security forces and law enforcement agencies from across Manipur between February 5 and August 11, 2026 .

The recovered weapons and explosives were displayed at the 1st Manipur Rifles (1st MR) Parade Ground, Imphal, as a part of an effort to highlight the scale of arms recovery and the ongoing security operations aimed at restoring peace and normalcy in the State.

Arms recovered between Feb 5 and Aug 11 showcased

The Chief Minister stated that individuals had earlier been given some relaxation in cases involving possession of illegal arms and ammunition in view of the prevailing situation during the crisis.

The situation is now gradually improving and there can no longer be any justification for retaining illegal weapons, he said.

Those possessing illegal arms, whether in the hills or the valley, must surrender them to their respective MLAs or SsP within 15 days.

Otherwise, legal action will be taken, the Chief Minister said.

Stating that a single bullet can spark fresh violence and unrest, the Chief Minister asked for the surrender of all illegal arms and ammunition which are still kept hidden.

Anyone who fails to surrender illegal weapons within the stipulated period will be dealt with in accordance with the law, Khemchand warned.

Earlier no case was registered against anyone in the course of seizing or recovering weapons from their possession.

But today it's not the time for civilians to wield firearms, he said.

The Chief Minister said the Government has been engaging with different sections of society, community leaders and civil society organisations in an effort to rebuild trust and find a lasting solution to the crisis.

"Since the new Government was formed in February this year, we have been working relentlessly in coordination with all security forces to bring peace and stability to the State", Khemchand said.

The Chief Minister also highlighted his peace out-reach across conflict- affected areas since assuming office on February 4, describing dialogue and reconciliation as key to restoring lasting peace.

Khemchand said Jiribam had witnessed a significant breakthrough, with Meitei, Kuki, Paite and Hmar representatives coming together, agreeing to work towards peace and sharing a joint meal.

"Graced the programme on 'Initiatives towards Bringing Normalcy in Manipur' at the 1st Battalion MR Parade Ground today, in the presence of Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister Shri Losii Dikho, Hon'ble Home Minister Shri K.Govindas Singh, Hon'ble Minister Shri Kh.

Loken Singh and senior security officials", Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand wrote on social media.

"The programme highlighted the coordinated efforts of the State Police, Indian Army, Assam Rifles and Central Forces towards restoring peace, strengthening security and recovering illegal arms.

A 15-day voluntary surrender window for prohibited arms, ammunition, explosives and other items has been announced, after which strict action will be taken as per law", Khemchand added.

The Chief Minister also commended the efforts of the teams led by DGP Mukesh Singh, Inspector General of the BSF, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) and the Inspector General of CRPF for recovering such a large cache of arms and ammunition during such a short span of time.

DGP Mukesh Singh said, more than 1,200 firearms, including around 600 weapons looted from Government armouries, have been recovered over the past five months.

A total of 491 extremists have been arrested, he said.

The DGP also said the Government has intensified its anti-narcotics drive, with 72 NDPS cases registered, 117 persons arrested and large quantities of drugs and psychotropic substances seized.

The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Art & Culture Minister Khuraijam Loken, MLAs, Security Adviser, DGP Mukesh Singh, IGAR (South), senior officers of the BSF and CRPF, and other senior officials.

During the programme, a publication titled "Manipur Marches to Peace" published by the Department of Information and Public Relations was distributed to all attendees.

A short video on the various initiatives taken by the Government toward restoring peace in the State was also screened.