Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam informed the state assembly on Wednesday that security forces have recovered more firearms than were initially looted during the outbreak of ethnic violence in the state.
Responding to questions raised by Congress Legislature Party leader Keisham Meghachandra, the minister said that a total of 6,020 firearms were looted at the onset of the unrest, while 7,437 weapons have so far been recovered by security agencies.
“The number of firearms seized by security forces is higher than the number of firearms looted,” Konthoujam told the Assembly.
He attributed the higher recovery figures partly to the inflow of illegal weapons from across international borders, noting that the state’s porous borders have enabled the smuggling of firearms from neighbouring countries.
To curb such activities, he said, the international border is being fenced.
The minister added that the state government is working under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to recover all weapons looted from government armouries.
Konthoujam said the government has been holding regular consultations with stakeholders and has strengthened security measures to restore normalcy. According to him, disarming individuals possessing illegal weapons is a key step in the peace process.
He further said that extortion-related calls, including those originating from outside the state, are being monitored, and efforts are being made to rebuild public confidence and remove the “fear psychosis” affecting free movement in several parts of the state.
Addressing concerns about illegal immigration, the minister said several committees had previously been formed to identify undocumented migrants, but the process could not be completed after the ethnic violence erupted. He noted that the Centre has extended full cooperation and biometric registration has now begun to identify illegal immigrants.
To prevent illegal entry, security forces have been deployed in border areas with joint mobile patrols, permanent and mobile check posts, he said. Security agencies are also conducting cordon-and-search operations, area domination exercises and flag marches in vulnerable areas to curb the activities of armed groups, insurgents and drug smugglers.
On the issue of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the minister said their welfare should involve all stakeholders and not rest solely on the government.
“As to claims that funds for the IDPs are not sufficient, the government is providing whatever it can from its resources,” he said, adding that additional financial assistance is also being provided by the central government.
He said displaced families are receiving livelihood support, direct benefit transfers and assistance for house construction.
Govindas Konthoujam also praised the state police for taking on a “major responsibility to establish the law of the land” despite limitations. He added that the government is working to introduce a dedicated Manipur Police Manual and Police Code, as the force currently operates under the Assam Police Manual.
