Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam today said efforts are being made to avoid further crackdowns and arrests involving members of Arambai Tengol, while maintaining that the government’s priority remains the recovery of illegally held weapons and restoration of normalcy in the state.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the International Olympic Day Run-cum-Tree Plantation programme organised by the Manipur Olympic Association at Olympic Bhavan, Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, Govindas said he had discussed the matter with the Director General of Police (DGP), Manipur, in view of the ongoing operations linked to the group.
The minister said intelligence reports suggest that a significant number of illegal weapons are still in the possession of civilians and armed groups. He stressed that continued efforts to recover such arms are necessary as part of the state’s de-weaponisation drive.
Appealing to those still holding illegal weapons, Govindas urged them to surrender the arms voluntarily, stating that such cooperation would help avoid further arrests and enforcement action.
He said the newly appointed DGP has been taking steps to restore free movement in the hill areas and improve the overall security situation. While noting that sporadic incidents of violence continue to be reported from certain hill districts, he said the valley areas have largely remained peaceful in recent months.
According to the minister, maintaining peace in the valley would enable security forces to deploy personnel more effectively in areas that require focused security operations. He reiterated that recovery of illegal arms remains the government’s foremost objective and described de-weaponisation as the first step towards ending violence and restoring lasting peace in Manipur.
Govindas also appealed to residents of the valley not to engage in activities that could disturb the prevailing peaceful atmosphere.
The statement comes amid heightened public concern following the arrest of three members of Arambai Tengol by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) during the intervening night of June 19 and 20.
The arrests have sparked protests across several parts of the state, particularly in the valley districts, with demonstrators demanding the unconditional release of the detained members.