Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has urged people from all communities to return any looted or illegal weapons and ammunition within the next seven days. According to the governor, there will be no penalties for returning such weapons by the deadline; however, after the seven-day period has passed, those who continue to possess illegal or stolen firearms would face harsh consequences. Manipur, a state that shares an open border with Myanmar, has been under President's rule. 

Ethnic clashes between the Meitei community and over a dozen Kuki tribes began nearly two years ago. On February 9, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and his council of ministers resigned. Following this, the Governor suspended the assembly, meaning MLAs remain in office but without any decision-making powers. "People of Manipur, both in valley and hills, have suffered immense hardship for the last over 20 months due to a series of unfortunate incidents affecting peace and communal harmony. In the greater interest of restoring normalcy, so that people can return to their normal day-to-day activities, all communities in the state must come forward to ensure cessation of hostilities and maintenance of peace and order in the society," Governor Bhalla said in the statement. 

"It is in this regard that I sincerely request the people of all communities, particularly the youths in the valley and hills, to voluntarily come forward and surrender looted and illegally held weapons and ammunition to the nearest police station/outpost/security forces camp within the next seven days, with effect from today," the Governor said. "Your single act of returning these weapons can be a powerful gesture towards ensuring peace." "I want to assure you that no punitive action would be initiated if such weapons are returned within the stipulated time. Thereafter, strict action will be taken for possession of such weapons. The government is committed to ensuring a peaceful resolution of the situation and safeguarding the future of our youth. Let us rebuild our State together with hope and trust for a brighter future. Come forward and choose peace," Governor Bhalla said. 

Around 6,000 firearms were stolen from police stations and armouries in Manipur following ethnic clashes that began on May 3, 2023. So far, only about 30% of the stolen weapons have been recovered, meaning nearly 4,000 are still missing, according to police sources. Among the recovered firearms are M-series assault rifles of American origin. "Sophisticated weapons looted from state armouries have made their way into the Manipur ethnic conflict, posing fresh challenges for security agencies," a Union Home Ministry official said, requesting anonymity.