In a startling disclosure in the Manipur Legislative Assembly today, State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam stated that security forces have recovered more firearms than were originally looted during the outbreak of ethnic violence in the state, raising fresh concerns over the scale of illegal arms circulation in Manipur.
Replying to questions raised by Congress Legislature Party leader Keisham Meghachandra, the minister informed the House that a total of 6,020 firearms were looted from armouries and other locations at the onset of the unrest. However, security forces have so far recovered 7,437 firearms during subsequent operations across the state.
“The number of firearms seized by security forces is higher than the number of firearms looted,” Konthoujam told the Assembly.
The minister attributed the higher recovery figures partly to the inflow of illegal arms from across international borders, pointing to Manipur’s porous boundary with neighbouring countries as a key factor facilitating the smuggling of weapons.
He said the fencing of the international border is being taken up to curb the influx of illegal firearms and other cross-border activities. According to him, the state government is continuing its efforts under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to recover every weapon looted from government armouries during the violence.
Konthoujam said restoring normalcy in the conflict-hit state requires sustained engagement with stakeholders and strict enforcement measures to disarm individuals in possession of illegal weapons.
He also disclosed that extortion-related calls, including those originating from outside the state, are being closely monitored by security agencies. Efforts are also underway to rebuild public confidence and eliminate what he described as the “fear psychosis” that continues to restrict free movement in several parts of Manipur.
Addressing concerns regarding illegal immigration, the minister said several committees had earlier been constituted to identify undocumented migrants in the state. However, the exercise could not be completed after the outbreak of ethnic violence.
He added that the central government has extended full support in the process and that biometric registration of suspected illegal immigrants has now begun as part of efforts to identify them.
“To prevent the entry of illegal immigrants, security forces have been adequately deployed along the borders,” the minister said, adding that joint mobile patrols, permanent check posts and mobile check posts have been established in vulnerable border areas.
Security forces have also intensified cordon-and-search operations, area domination exercises and flag marches in sensitive locations to curb the movement of armed groups, insurgents and drug smugglers, he informed the House.
Describing the state as a major hub in the global drug trafficking network, Konthoujam said Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has instructed authorities to identify and take strict action against drug kingpins operating in the state.
The minister also spoke about the plight of internally displaced persons affected by the violence, stating that responsibility for their welfare should be shared by all stakeholders and not rest solely on the government.
Responding to concerns regarding financial support, he said the state government is providing assistance within its available resources, while additional support is also being extended by the central government.
According to him, displaced families are receiving livelihood assistance, direct benefit transfers and financial support for construction of houses.
Konthoujam further lauded the role of the state police, stating that despite various constraints the force has taken on a major responsibility in maintaining law and order in the state.
He also informed the Assembly that the government is working towards introducing a dedicated Manipur Police Manual and Police Code, as the state police currently functions under the Assam Police Manual.