Photo Courtesy: nenews
Imphal: Manipur is pushing more security forces into its hill districts. The government deployed elite CoBRA units of the CRPF to hunt down armed groups. Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam says the valley is finally calm enough to shift resources. Security teams can now focus on the hills.
A fresh de-weaponization drive is underway. The government wants illegal guns off the streets immediately. Thousands of weapons vanished from police armories during ethnic violence that started in May 2023. State data shows over 5,669 guns and 5 lakh rounds of ammunition remain missing.
Konthoujam issued a blunt warning to anyone hiding hardware. "Those still holding arms and ammunition unlawfully will face strict legal action. They will be arrested and dealt with according to the law," he said. Officials hope voluntary surrenders will stop further raids by the NIA and state police.
Tensions remain high following the June 19 arrest of three Arambai Tenggol members. The NIA nabbed the trio for a string of crimes including bank robbery, armory looting, and murder. Protests erupted at Ima Keithel as women demanded their release. The minister confirmed he met with the state police chief to discuss the detentions. For now, he says no further arrests are planned.
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