IT News
Imphal, Feb 27:
On the final day of the government’s deadline for surrendering illegal weapons, members of Arambai Tengol arrived at the 1st Manipur Rifles campus today to hand over arms and ammunition looted from state armories, as well as other illegal firearms possessed by village volunteers in valley districts.
The surrender process began around 11 am when a convoy of mini trucks and four-wheeler vehicles loaded with firearms, ammunition, and combat gear, including Pompi weapons, entered the 1st MR campus. The move came after a meeting between Arambai Tengol’s chief, Koroungnanba Khuman, and the Governor of Manipur two days ago, hinting at a possible understanding between the two sides.
As news of the surrender spread, a large number of women from across the state gathered outside the 1st MR campus, eager to witness the handing-over ceremony. Initially, they were denied entry, but later, authorities permitted them to enter the 1st MR ground. Meanwhile, media personnel were barred from covering the event, leaving the exact details of the proceedings unknown.
Eyewitnesses reported that multiple trucks carrying weapons, war gear, and explosives were seen entering the premises. According to inside sources, the Governor of Manipur was not present during the surrender, but senior officials from the Manipur Police Department and the Home Department were in attendance to oversee the process.
At the time of reporting, security personnel were still engaged in counting and verifying the weapons handed over by Arambai Tengol. The total number and types of surrendered weapons have not yet been disclosed. However, this move is seen as a significant step towards addressing the security situation in the state, following repeated government appeals urging individuals and groups to return illegally held arms.
The voluntary disarmament by Arambai Tengol marks a crucial development in the government’s efforts to restore normalcy. Security forces remain vigilant, ensuring that law and order are maintained as the verification process continues. An official statement on the surrender is expected once authorities complete the assessment of the surrendered weapons.
