Imphal | The Manipur government has stepped up security measures in the state’s hill districts with the deployment of additional forces, including units of the Central Reserve Police Force’s elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), as part of efforts to contain disturbances and restore normalcy.

State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said security agencies have also begun a de-weaponisation drive aimed at recovering illegally held arms across the state.

Speaking to reporters in Imphal on Monday, Konthoujam said the security situation in the valley districts had improved considerably, allowing authorities to focus greater attention on the hill regions, where tensions continue to persist.

“Minor incidents may still occur in the valley areas, but disturbances remain in the hill districts. It is important to maintain peace in the valley so that security personnel can concentrate their operations in the hills,” the minister said.

He noted that the hill districts, which make up nearly 90 per cent of Manipur’s geographical area, have witnessed heightened tensions in recent months involving rival armed groups from tribal communities. To address the situation, additional security personnel, including newly deployed CoBRA units, have been stationed in the affected areas.

“More security forces, including the recently arrived CoBRA unit of the CRPF, are being deployed in the hill areas to track down those responsible for disturbances. At the same time, de-weaponisation exercises have also commenced,” Konthoujam said.

The minister appealed to all sections of society to cooperate in maintaining peace, stressing that stability is essential for the state’s development and progress. Referring to the recent arrest of three alleged members of the group Arambai Tenggol by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with an arms-looting case, Konthoujam said the matter had been discussed with senior police officials.

“We have held discussions with the Director General of Police regarding the recent arrests and conveyed that no further arrests should be made,” he said. However, the Home Minister acknowledged that intelligence reports indicate a significant number of illegal weapons remain in circulation, particularly in the valley districts. He urged individuals possessing such arms to surrender them voluntarily to security agencies.

“We appeal to those holding illegal weapons to hand them over to the authorities so that no further action or arrests by the NIA, CBI, or state police become necessary,” he said.

According to the minister, security agencies are continuing coordinated operations to recover illicit weapons and dismantle armed networks as part of broader efforts to restore peace, law and order, and public confidence across the state.

The intensified deployment and de-weaponisation campaign come amid ongoing attempts by the administration and security agencies to stabilise the situation in Manipur after months of unrest and sporadic violence in several districts.