Source Credit: The Hindu
On Thursday, February 20, 2025, Manipur's Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla made a strong call to all group members in the state asking them to return any stolen guns within seven days. The plea comes as worries grow about illegal guns spreading around, causing more unrest and problems in the area. Bhalla said that giving these weapons back is very important for bringing peace, making sure people are safe, and fixing trust among different groups.
This request follows bad times in Manipur where many groups have had fights with arms involved. The appeal from the Governor aims at helping lessen tensions and starting talks among various communities. By stating a clear week-long period for returning weapons, Bhalla wants to stop more fighting and start steps toward long-term peace. He has also promised that anyone who gives their guns back voluntarily will not be punished by law as part of getting cooperation going.
Local officials have been told to help make it easy for people to hand over weapons safely while keeping things private for those giving them up. The Governor's plan has been met with some hope but also caution since many want an end to ongoing issues. Still, whether this effort works depends on how much communities are willing to join in and if the government can stick by its deadline well enough. The next few days will show if this initiative can really make peace happen again in troubled Manipur.
