On the final day of Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s deadline for armed groups to surrender looted weapons, Meitei organisation Arambai Tenggol handed over over 240 weapons in a public display at 1st Manipur Rifles (MR) grounds. The surrender procession, which included women members and supporters, was a significant moment in the ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Jo groups in Manipur.
Conditions Set by Arambai Tenggol
Before surrendering, Arambai Tenggol had met Governor Bhalla on February 25, seeking assurances that Kukis would not attack Meiteis again. The State would protect Meitei lives and property. A general amnesty would be granted to its members and village volunteers. Illegal poppy cultivation by Kuki groups would be eradicated. Border fencing with Myanmar would be completed.
The NRC would be implemented to identify illegal immigrants. Additionally, Arambai Tenggol warned that if Kukis attacked Meiteis again, leading to civilian deaths, they would retaliate without state interference. They also reiterated their demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Meiteis.
In response, Kuki-Jo groups ITLF and COTU dismissed the move, stating, “The surrender of 300 weapons today accounts for only 5% of the total looted arms in the Imphal Valley.” They accused Arambai Tenggol of using the event to improve their public image after meeting with the Governor, while also blaming them for killing over 230 Kuki-Jo people.
Official records indicate that over 6,000 weapons have been looted from state armouries and police stations since May 2023. Following the Governor’s appeal, many weapons have been returned, including 240+ arms from Arambai Tenggol. 87 additional weapons from the public in Churachandpur, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Toubal, Kangpokpi, Jiribam, and Imphal West.
However, despite the arms recovery, insurgent groups still possess significant firepower, including grenades and AK-47s.
The illegal poppy cultivation in Kuki-dominated areas remains a major factor in the conflict. The former Biren Singh government claimed that the drug trade funds and fuels ethnic violence, with ties extending to Myanmar and beyond. The government, with civilian support, has destroyed hundreds of acres of poppy farms, a mission backed by Arambai Tenggol.
Even as arms surrender and raids on insurgent groups continue, Manipur remains volatile. Porous borders with Myanmar, along with ongoing drug trafficking and ethnic violence, continue to challenge the path to lasting peace despite the state being under President’s rule.
