People in 3 districts of Manipur asked to deposit licensed arms in view of Lok Sabha elections

IMPHAL — In view of the Election Commission of India having announced the schedule for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 on April 19 and the 26th in the state, the district magistrates (DMs) of Bishnupur, Thoubal and Pherzawl have asked arms license holders to surrender their arms with the nearest police station immediately.

Polling for two constituencies of Manipur will be held in two phases, as voting will be done for Outer Manipur constituency on two days due to the ongoing ethnic clash between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.

In an order, DM of Bishnupur district L Bikram prohibited possession and carrying of firearms of any kind, including license ones within the revenue jurisdiction of Bishnupur district with immediate effect and till the process of elections is completed.

He also directed all the officers in-charge of the police stations functioning within the revenue jurisdiction of Bishnupur district to make detailed and individual assessment and review all licence holders, adding that the OC concerned impound arms that are not submitted.

The DMs of Thoubal and Pherzawl also issued similar orders to the general public.

It may be mentioned that the Communist Party of India had named senior party leader L Sotinkumar as its candidate for Inner Manipur parliamentary seat. Other political parties, including the BJP, INC and Naga People’s Front are expected to declare their candidates soon.