IMPHAL, AUG 12: Chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday issued a 15-day ultimatum to individuals possessing arms and ammunition to surrender them to their respective MLAs or superintendents of police (SPs), warning that those who fail to comply will face legal action.
The warning came as the state government showcased a massive cache of 1,422 arms, 7,010 rounds of ammunition and 1,137 explosives recovered by security forces and law-enforcement agencies across Manipur between February 5 and August 11, 2026.
The recovered weapons and explosives were displayed at the 1st Manipur Rifles (1 MR) Parade Ground in Imphal as part of an effort to highlight the scale of arms recovery and ongoing security operations aimed at restoring peace and normalcy in the state.
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CM Khemchand said individuals had earlier been given some relaxation in cases involving possession of arms and ammunition in view of the prevailing situation during the crisis. However, he said the situation was now gradually improving and there could no longer be any justification for retaining illegal weapons.
“Those possessing arms must surrender them to their respective MLAs or SPs within 15 days. Otherwise, legal action will be taken,” the chief minister said.
He said the government had 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, 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 outreach 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.
Meanwhile, home minister Govindas Konthoujam warned of strict action against individuals, groups or organisations disrupting movement along the National Highways.
He said disturbances along the highways had severely affected the people of Manipur and warned that anyone creating such disruptions would face action in accordance with the law.
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DGP Mukesh Singh said more than 1,200 firearms, including around 600 weapons looted from government armouries, had been recovered over the past five months.
The DGP also said the government had intensified its anti-narcotics drive, with 72 cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 117 persons arrested and large quantities of drugs and psychotropic substances seized.
The event was attended by deputy chief minister Losii Dikho, minister Khuraijam Loken, MLAs, security adviser, DGP Mukesh Singh, IGAR (South), senior officers of the BSF and CRPF, and other senior officials.
