Sat Feb 22 14:20:43 UTC 2025: ## Manipur Civil Society Group Urges Governor to Extend Weapon Surrender Deadline

**Imphal, Manipur, February 23, 2025** – A leading Manipur civil society organization, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), has called for an extension to the seven-day deadline set by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla for the surrender of illegally held weapons. COCOMI, representing Meitei civil society groups in Imphal, argues that the timeframe is insufficient for meaningful engagement with the public and urged the Governor to formally engage with local youth leaders.

Governor Bhalla issued an appeal on February 20th, promising amnesty for those surrendering weapons within seven days, but threatening strict action afterward. COCOMI acknowledged the Governor’s appeal but highlighted the circumstances leading to civilians acquiring arms, citing the failure of government security forces to protect villages during the height of the conflict.

The group emphasized the need for a more comprehensive approach, urging the Governor to consider the context of the unrest and avoid punitive measures against civilian volunteers who acted in self-defense. COCOMI also requested transparency in the arms confiscation process, particularly regarding weapons seized from hill areas, and called for the relocation of Kuki militant camps operating under Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreements.

The organization stressed the importance of a concrete plan to secure villages, restore a sense of safety, and guarantee against future attacks. COCOMI’s statement underscores the complexity of the situation in Manipur and the need for a nuanced approach to addressing the issue of illegal weapons.

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