Imphal | Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday gave people holding looted, illegal or unauthorised weapons 15 days to surrender them, warning that those found in possession of such arms after the deadline would face legal action.

Khemchand issued the warning at a Home Department programme held at the 1st Manipur Rifles Ground in Imphal to highlight government measures aimed at restoring peace and normalcy in the violence-hit state.

Addressing the gathering as chief guest, the chief minister said the government was making sustained efforts to restore peace and commended the state and central security forces for their role in recovering weapons. He said the growing number of voluntary surrenders indicated that people in Manipur wanted an end to the prolonged violence.

According to Khemchand, security forces and other agencies recovered 1,422 firearms, 7,010 rounds of ammunition and 1,137 explosives between February 2026, when the present government assumed office, and August 11. However, he said some looted and unauthorised weapons were still believed to be in the possession of individuals.

The chief minister said the government had initially adopted a cautious approach towards registering cases against people found with weapons, considering the circumstances under which many of them had acquired the arms during the crisis.

With the situation in the state improving, however, he said there was no longer any justification for possessing, concealing or retaining illegal weapons.

Khemchand appealed to those still holding such arms to surrender them within 15 days through their respective MLAs or the police in their districts. He warned that anyone found with illegal, unauthorised or looted weapons after the deadline would be booked under the relevant laws.

The chief minister also referred to the violence that erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023, saying the prolonged conflict had caused widespread suffering and deepened mistrust between communities.

He said the gradual recovery and surrender of weapons demonstrated the state’s movement towards peace and normalcy. The government, he added, was continuing its outreach to different communities and facilitating dialogue, which he described as essential for rebuilding trust and achieving lasting peace.

Khemchand further said security forces were continuing efforts to ensure the supply and movement of essential commodities despite blockades affecting national highways.

The programme included a display of weapons recovered during security operations and the screening of a short film titled Manipur Marches to Peace, highlighting the government’s efforts towards restoring normalcy.

Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Tourism Minister Kh Loken Singh, the Director General of Police, the security adviser and senior officials from various departments attended the programme.