TL;DR: In a significant move, the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol surrendered 246 weapons in Manipur, responding to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla's appeal to return looted and illegal arms. This action aims to restore peace and harmony in the violence-affected state.
Hey folks! Big news from Manipur! 🌟 The Meitei group, Arambai Tenggol, has handed over 246 weapons to the authorities. 🎯 This happened at the 1st Manipur Rifles campus in Imphal West. 🏢 This move comes after Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla urged everyone to return looted and illegal arms to bring back peace in the state. 🕊️
The Governor had set a seven-day deadline for this, and guess what? ⏰ People from both the hills and the valley asked for more time, so the deadline got extended to 4 PM on March 6. 📅 This is a golden chance for everyone to help in restoring peace and harmony. ✌️
Arambai Tenggol's spokesperson, Robin Mangang, confirmed that they agreed to surrender the weapons within the deadline, but they had some conditions. 📝 They want the complete removal of illegal opium poppy cultivation, proper border fencing, implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) with 1951 as the base year, assurance that Kuki militants won't attack again, and the protection of Manipur's territorial integrity. 🛡️
This surrender is a big deal because it's the largest of its kind so far. 🎉 The authorities believe that giving up these illegal arms will help bring back peace and lawfulness in Manipur. 🕊️ The police are encouraging anyone still holding onto looted or illegal weapons to come forward and surrender them at the nearest police station, outpost, or security force camp before the deadline. 🚓
The Governor has assured that no action will be taken against those who voluntarily surrender their weapons within the given time. 🤝 But, if someone is found with illegal arms after the deadline, they will face strict legal consequences. ⚖️I
Manipur has been going through tough times since May 2023, with ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. 😔 More than 250 people have lost their lives, and around 60,000 have been displaced. 🏚️ Mobs looted weapons from state armories, police stations, and outposts during the violence. 🔥 Out of the 6,000 looted weapons, about 2,500 have been recovered so far. 🔍
The violence led to the Meiteis and Kukis moving to their respective areas. 🏞️ The Meiteis, mostly Hindus, live in the plains of Imphal Valley, while the Kukis, predominantly Christians, reside in the hills. ⛰️ Now, there are buffer zones separating the two communities. 🚧
Earlier this month, President's Rule was imposed in Manipur after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned. 🏛️ This happened shortly after Governor Bhalla took charge. The resignation came following a Supreme Court directive for a forensic report on leaked audio tapes, where Singh allegedly mentioned that the ethnic violence was instigated at his behest. 🎙️
This surrender by Arambai Tenggol is a hopeful sign towards restoring peace and normalcy in Manipur. 🌈 It's a call for everyone to come together and work towards a peaceful and harmonious society. 🤗
MediaFx Opinion: This development is a positive step towards peace in Manipur. ✊ However, it's crucial to address the underlying issues that led to the violence. 🧐 The demands put forth by Arambai Tenggol highlight the need for systemic changes to ensure lasting peace. 🛠️ It's essential for the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with all communities, ensuring that the voices of the working class and marginalized are heard and respected. 🗣️ True peace can only be achieved through equality, justice, and solidarity among all sections of society. ✌️
