Two key Meitei civil society organisations, the Meitei Alliance and the Association of Meiteis in the Americas (AMA), have called for complete disarmament in Manipur, urging the implementation of a gun-free policy in the violence-hit state. The groups also extended their gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla for their initiatives aimed at restoring peace and normalcy.
Commending Peace Initiatives
The Meitei Alliance, a global umbrella body representing Meitei civil society groups, acknowledged four significant steps taken by the central government: dismantling the drug trade network, ensuring free movement on roads and highways, taking strict action against extortionists, and accelerating the border-fencing work along Myanmar.
“We deeply appreciate the decisive leadership of the Honourable Home Minister of India and the Governor of Manipur, whose recent directives mark a significant step toward restoring safety, security, and social harmony in the region,” the Meitei Alliance stated in an official statement.
The group particularly emphasized the importance of civilians voluntarily surrendering illegal arms, which they had initially taken up for self-defense against alleged Kuki militant threats. The surrender of these weapons, they noted, demonstrated renewed trust in the government’s ability to ensure public safety and curb violence.
Ensuring Free Movement & Economic Revival
Another major development lauded by the Meitei Alliance was the Union Home Minister’s directive to guarantee the free movement of the public on all roads in Manipur from March 8. The organisation sees this as a critical step toward reviving Manipur’s “age-old, multi-ethnic, and pluralistic society.”
“It will also help revive the state’s ailing economy,” the group added, referring to the central government’s order to remove illegal check posts and obstructions on highways while taking stringent action against those disrupting civilian movement.
The Meitei Alliance also reiterated its commitment to fostering dialogue between different communities in Manipur to promote peace and coexistence. “Dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation are essential in shaping a united and prosperous Manipur for future generations,” the statement read.
Push for Complete Disarmament
The Association of Meiteis in the Americas (AMA) took the call for peace a step further, urging the government to enforce total disarmament in Manipur.
“The presence of illegal arms has fueled violence, disrupted harmony, and hindered progress. Disarming all armed groups, regardless of affiliation, is essential in rebuilding trust, restoring law and order, and making Manipur great again,” the AMA asserted in its statement.
Weapon Surrender Deadline Extended
In a related development, Governor Bhalla extended the deadline for all communities to surrender looted and illegally held weapons until March 6. This extension follows the large-scale surrender of arms by Arambai Tenggol (AT), a Meitei group that had initially taken up arms, citing inadequate law enforcement in the early days of ethnic violence.
Before the deadline, AT members met with Governor Bhalla and agreed to hand over their weapons, provided security forces take full responsibility for civilian protection and put an end to firing from bunkers controlled by Kuki groups on hilltops.
The AT, which identifies itself as a cultural organisation, stated that it was forced to arm itself to protect Meitei villages from attacks. However, Kuki tribes have accused the AT of launching retaliatory strikes on their settlements, leading to further violence.
Escalating Ethnic Clashes
Manipur has been embroiled in ethnic violence for nearly two years, with ongoing conflicts between the valley-dominant Meitei community and the Kuki tribes, who hold a strong presence in the state’s hill districts. Disputes over land rights, political representation, and security have fueled ongoing hostilities.
More than 250 people have lost their lives, and over 50,000 have been displaced due to the violence. Several AT members, including its leader Korounganba Khuman, are facing legal action in cases handled by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Sources By Agencies
