Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh issued a 15-day ultimatum on Wednesday for the surrender of all illegal arms. Individuals must hand over weapons to their local MLAs or police superintendents. Legal action awaits anyone who fails to comply. The warning follows the seizure of 1,422 firearms, 7,010 rounds of ammunition, and 1,137 explosives.
Security forces recovered these items between February 5 and August 11, 2026. The arsenal sat on display at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in Imphal. Officials showcased the cache to highlight progress in restoring state stability. The government previously offered relaxation on weapons possession due to the crisis that began May 3, 2023. That window has closed. The chief minister stated the situation is improving, leaving no justification for keeping illicit guns.
"Those possessing arms must surrender them to their respective MLAs or SPs within 15 days. Otherwise, legal action will be taken," Khemchand said. He confirmed that police have already recovered over 1,200 firearms, including 600 looted from state armouries, over the last five months.
Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam promised harsh consequences for anyone blocking National Highways. These disruptions currently hinder the movement of essential goods. Meanwhile, DGP Mukesh Singh reported a separate surge in anti-narcotics operations. Police have registered 72 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, resulting in 117 arrests and major drug seizures.
Khemchand touted recent peace dialogues involving Meitei, Kuki, Paite, and Hmar representatives in Jiribam as a major breakthrough. He assumed office on February 4 and claims reconciliation remains the top priority. The event included a film screening titled Manipur Marches to Peace and drew high-ranking officials including Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Minister Khuraijam Loken, the security adviser, and officers from the BSF and CRPF.
Updated at 12th August 2026 at 10:00pm
Beyond the arms seizures, state officials disclosed that security forces arrested 491 extremists between February and August. The government also noted that 46 cadres from the banned Kangleipak Communist Party-People's War Group surrendered in July.
Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam signaled a shift in how the state will handle supply chain disruptions. He warned that authorities plan to invoke the National Security Act against anyone caught extorting or harassing transporters on the National Highways.
Chief Minister Khemchand also signaled that the grace period for those holding weapons has officially expired. He stated, "Anyone who is arrested with illegal, unauthorised or looted weapons after 15 days will be booked under specific acts and rules."
Updated at 13th August 2026 at 6:15pm
The state government plans to issue a notification under the Control of National Highway (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002, to speed up the detention of suspects involved in highway extortion. Officials also confirmed they will strictly enforce the Prevention of Damages to Public Property Act, 1948, against anyone targeting infrastructure.
Reports from the ground indicate that transporters face aggressive shakedowns along National Highway 37 and National Highway 202. Drivers claim armed gangs frequently demand up to 25,000 rupees per truck, often handing over official-looking receipts to legitimize the theft. These illegal tolls have triggered widespread protests from transport unions.
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