Manipur Bar Association Urges Extension of Deadline for Surrendering Illegal Arms, Calls for Confidence-Building Measures

AMBA expressed its belief that the Governor would use his office to restore peace and unity in the state at the earliest.

The All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) has submitted a memorandum urging an extension of the deadline set for the surrender of illegal arms in Manipur. The memorandum, addressed to the Governor, emphasises the need for confidence-building measures to restore peace and trust among the people.

AMBA welcomed the initiative taken by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to retrieve illegal arms as a crucial step toward restoring normalcy in the state. However, the association expressed strong opposition to security forces’ actions against Khun Ngakpa (village volunteers) before the deadline’s expiry. AMBA warned that such actions could sabotage the ongoing peace initiatives, creating distrust among the people and potentially leading to further unrest.

“The security forces must exercise restraint. The situation in Manipur should be handled with love and affection for all communities,” the memorandum stated. The association proposed extending the timeline for surrendering illegal arms to allow all concerned groups to comply.

Additionally, AMBA recommended implementing confidence-building measures, such as ensuring that Suspension of Operations (SOO) cadres return to designated camps within a stipulated period, securing the arms of SOO cadres by setting a deadline for depositing them in a common armoury, and taking all necessary steps to foster trust and communal harmony in Manipur. AMBA expressed its belief that the Governor would use his office to restore peace and unity in the state at the earliest.

It may be noted that on February 20, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla appealed for the surrender of illegal arms within seven days, setting a deadline of February 26. Following this appeal, around 50 looted weapons and ammunition have been voluntarily deposited across various districts in both the hill and valley regions. Chief Secretary PK Singh also reiterated the appeal, stating that the given timeframe was sufficient for compliance.

Also Read: Manipur Chief Secretary Makes Renewed Appeal For Arms Surrender

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