Imphal: The Manipur government has ordered residents of Sangaiyumpham and Khangabok villages to surrender their licensed firearms at Thoubal police station by October 24.
The District Magistrate issued the order, stating that the weapons would remain in police custody until the prohibitory order is revoked.
The directive follows the fatal shooting of Laishram Rakesh, a resident of Khangabok Part-II, during a local musical event on October 18. Security forces have arrested three suspects in connection with the killing.
During initial raids in Sangaiyumpham and Cherapur, security personnel arrested Md. Khursid Ahamad, 19, and Md. Abdul Rahaman, 45, and recovered a double-barrel shotgun.
In a subsequent operation, Thoubal Police arrested Aribam Sherkhan, 38, and seized another double-barrel shotgun and 14 rounds of 12-gauge ammunition.
Meanwhile, a 48-hour general strike called by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) disrupted normal life across Thoubal district on October 23. Protesters blocked parts of National Highway 102, including Athokpam Arong Thong, Khangabok Bazar and Wangbal.
Educational institutions remained closed, public transport services were suspended, and markets in Thoubal, Yairipok and Wangjing were affected.
JAC representative Abung Khuman urged people to support the strike and said it would be called off once all remaining suspects in the killing were arrested.