As part of an agreement with the Manipur Governor, Arambai Tenggol surrendered 246 weapons, citing assurances that no separate Kuki-Zo administration would be granted and that key security concerns of the Meitei community would be addressed. Rajbhavan has not confirmed it so far.
BY PC Bureau
Radical armed group Arambai Tenggol surrendered a cache of weapons on Thursday after reaching an agreement with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on key issues related to the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state. The surrender took place at the 1st Manipur Rifles (MR) complex in Imphal West, marking the largest such handover of illegal arms since violence erupted in May 2023.
A spokesperson for Arambai Tenggol claimed that the decision to surrender weapons was based on assurances from Governor Bhalla on several demands. The key points of the agreement include the Governor’s commitment that no separate administration will be granted to the Kuki-Zo community, a primary concern for the group. In addition, the group will support peace and development efforts while ensuring that central forces and police protect Meitei lives and properties in peripheral areas.
ALSO READ: Arambai Tenggol Leads Last-Day Weapon Surrender, But Response Remains Tepid
One of the most controversial points in the agreement is that if Kukis launch fresh attacks on Meiteis after disarmament, resulting in civilian casualties, the government will not interfere if Arambai Tenggol takes retaliatory action. The government reportedly agreed to this condition, according to the group’s spokesperson.
Other key terms inclu
ARAMBAI TENGGOL Members Handover Arms Following Governor's Call-
Responding to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla's @BhallaAjay26 to surrender illegal arms, members of ARAMBAI TENGGOL on Thursday laid down their weapons at the 1st Battalion MANIPUR RIFLES in IMPHAL. The… pic.twitter.com/jfCLD6DXqa
— BeeThangjam (@beethangjam) February 27, 2025
de a promise of general amnesty for all Village Volunteers, including Arambai Tenggol members, and the allowance for members to move freely in uniform. The government also assured the implementation of measures such as the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Foreigners Registration Mechanism (FRM), and border fencing, with regular updates to the group. Additionally, the 1960 Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (MLR) Act, which the group considers discriminatory towards Meiteis, will be revisited. The government has also committed to eradicating poppy cultivation to curb drug abuse among youth.
ALSO READ: Manipur’s Missing Arsenal: Single-Barrel Rifles Returned, AK-47s Kept
With these assurances in place, Arambai Tenggol proceeded with the surrender of 246 weapons. However, this number remains a fraction of the nearly 6,000 arms looted from state armories since the outbreak of violence. While the group’s surrender was a significant development, many observers note that the overall response to the disarmament appeal has been limited.
The Governor had earlier set a seven-day deadline, ending on Thursday, for individuals and groups to voluntarily surrender looted weapons, assuring that no punitive action would be taken during this period. However, he warned that strict measures would follow against those still in possession of illegal arms.
Meanwhile, Kuki-Zo organizations, including the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) and the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), have strongly criticized the mass surrender, dismissing it as a mere attempt to gain legitimacy. In a joint statement, they accused Arambai Tenggol of being responsible for ethnic violence and questioned the government’s decision to engage with them while ignoring the suffering of Kuki-Zo victims.
The surrender marks a crucial moment in Manipur’s ongoing crisis, but with thousands of weapons still in circulation and deep-seated tensions between communities, the path to lasting peace remains uncertain.
