Disarm all sides for peace in Manipur: CM

Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Sunday said that peace is unlikely in the State unless all the people who are in possession of illegal weapons are disarmed.

The illegal weapons, including firearms looted from the security forces and those purchased illicitly, have been used since the beginning of the ethnic violence in Manipur in 2023.

“Until and unless those in possession of illegal arms are disarmed, peace is unlikely in the state. Be it Meitei, Kuki or Naga, we are calling for disarming everyone. Several meetings with security forces have been conducted,” the chief minister told reporters.

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla had in February 2025 urged warring groups to voluntarily surrender weapons robbed from security forces and other illegally held arms. The State was then under President’s Rule, which was lifted a year later.

The chief minister said that Imphal valley is just 10 per cent of the total State area, so more effective operations are needed in the hills. Imphal valley is home to the Meitei community, while the Kuki and Naga communities live in the hills.

At least 260 people were killed and thousands became homeless in the conflict between the Meitei and Kuki people since May 3, 2023. “The total number of CoBRA battalions to be deployed in Manipur would be increased from two to three. Their operations would start after the necessary 45 days of training in the terrains and environment suitable to the State,” the CM said. CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) is an elite, specialised unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). “Law is above all of us. The particular case involving the death of six Nagas has been handed over to the NIA and all culprits — whether a minister, an MLA or anybody — would be punished,” he said.

Singh was referring to the June 10 recovery of the bodies of six Naga men, believed to be of those held hostage for around a month following the killing of three church leaders in Kangpokpi district. Their mortal remains were found a day after 14 Kuki individuals who were abducted at the same time by armed groups in the Senapati district were released. “To develop Manipur into an ideal state, the involvement of all communities is required.

As for illegal immigrants, that would be detected through the SIR, and the Government is also considering the demand for NRC implementation in the State,” Singh said.

The chief minister also said that proper fencing and patrolling are equally needed. On the Suspension of Operations (SoO) ceasefire pact among the Kuki Zo militant groups, the Centre and Manipur Government, he said the state cabinet had previously sought abrogation of the pact.