AMBA welcomes Governor's call to surrender arms, condemns crackdown on village volunteers
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 25 2025: The Governor's call to secure illegal arms as an initial step to restore normalcy is welcomed, however, the crackdown on village volunteers before the expiry of the time-line given is condemnable, said All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) today.

It stated this in a memorandum submitted to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla today.

AMBA sincerely welcomes the step taken up to secure the illegal arms circulating in the State of Manipur by giving a time-line.

It is "our firm belief" that this is the initial step to restore normalcy.

However, we condemn the action of the security forces against the Khun Ngakpa/village volunteers before the expiry of the time-line as it may sabotage the peace initiative of "His Excellency", said AMBA in the memorandum.

The crackdown on village volunteers may sow the seeds of suspicion and distrust on the sincerity of the Government to restore normalcy.

It is also likely to lead to further unrest in the State.

Such actions of the security forces need to be restrained, it said.

Further, the time-line for securing the illegal arms may be extended so that all concerned may follow the path of peace, it said, suggesting steps to build confidence among the public.

AMBA said SoO cadres must be reined in by making them return to their designated camps within a time-line.

Further, the arms of the SoO cadres must be deposited in the common armoury within a time-frame, it added.

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