Arambai Tenggol members handed over to Imphal on February 27, 2025, after evacuating robbery and illegally held weapons and ammunition from the Manipur Rifle Camp 1 | Photo source: ANI
Two Manipur-based Kuki -Zo organizations – the Indigenous Tribe Leadership Forum (ITLF) and the Committee on Tribal Solidarity (COTU) – dismissed the surrender of nearly 300 weapons by Meitei Group Arambai Tenggol as Arambai Tenggol saw it as a “simple gesture” and improved “strategic attempt to enhance the public’s image” and gained “sympathy and legality”. In a joint statement, two groups claimed that Arambai Tenggol’s surrender to 246 predatory weapons was only symbolic, accounting for only 5% of the 6,000 weapons robbed by Imphal Valley.
“This move is an effort to enhance the public image, especially in meeting with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla. It is a tactical strategy that inspires sympathy and legitimacy. After meeting with the governor, the timing of this gesture raises serious issues with their real motivations,” the statement added.
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Arambai Tenggol is accused of the deaths of more than 230 members of the Kuki-Zo community, and the two groups reaffirmed their needs for their people’s separate government.
On the last day of the seven-day final scheming issued by Mr. Barra, which ended Thursday, Arambai Tenggol members surrendered 246 arms on the 1st weapon of the 1st Manipur Rifle Battalion.
In the seven days, the public surrendered more than 300 weapons, mainly in the valley area.
On 20 February, Mr. Barra urged the warring groups to voluntarily rob weapons from security forces and other illegally held weapons within seven days and ensure that punitive litigation will not be taken.
Chief Secretary PK Singh said on Sunday that the force will take action after the period expires.
In September, security adviser Kuldiep Singh said 2,681 weapons had been discovered, including 1,200 weapons plundered from police arsenals. Dozens have been retrieved in the past six months as well as in the central forces.
More than 250 people have been killed since May 2023, and thousands have been homeless.
The center implemented presidential rule in the state on February 13 after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned. The state legislature served in 2027 and has been suspended from animation.
publishing – February 28, 2025 at 1:13 pm IST
