Ethnic violence erupted in Manipur for the first time after the 'Tribal Unity March'. (File photo)

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Wednesday appealed to the people to return the weapons looted from the security forces and warned of legal action if any person found in possession of unauthorised arms and ammunition. In a signed statement, the chief minister also appealed to the people not to block roads to ensure free movement of security personnel and relief material.

Singh said such constraints were making it difficult for security and police personnel to respond timely to attacks by armed groups.

"I appeal to all concerned to hand over the arms and ammunition looted from armed police battalions, police stations, etc. in the Valley and hilly districts to the nearest police station or Manipur Rifles/Indian Reserve Battalion, etc. at the earliest," he said.

"If any person is found in possession of unauthorised arms and ammunition during search operations by security personnel or otherwise, legal action will be taken against him as per the Arms Act, 1959 and rules," the chief minister said.

Singh said at many places, people were found defying curfew restrictions and blocking roads, hampering the free movement of relief material for those staying in relief camps. At the same time, it hindered the movement of security personnel to deal with illegal armed groups in conflict zones and interior locations of the state, he said.

"Such blocking of roads is adding to the hardship of those already suffering in relief camps, including pregnant women and young children, as it has stopped the movement of health workers, medicines, food, milk and water," he said.

"Such barriers are making it extremely difficult for security and police personnel to respond to attacks by armed groups in a timely manner," the chief minister said.

Singh said in order to save the lives and property of innocent civilians and to mitigate the difficulties faced in the relief camps, "I appeal to the people of Manipur not to obstruct the free movement of security personnel and relief material".

The Manipur chief minister's appeal came amid Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to the state. On the third day of his visit, Shah held a review meeting in the border town of Moreh on Wednesday to take stock of the security situation in the northeastern state, which has been witnessing sporadic violence for nearly a month.

The Union Home Minister reviewed the security situation in Manipur and met a delegation of Kukis and a team representing other communities.

After meeting Shah in Imphal and Churachandpur on Tuesday, Meitei and Kuki groups expressed their commitment to peace and assured that they will work to restore normalcy in the troubled state.

Shah also held a security review meeting with senior officials of Manipur Police, Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) and Army in Imphal on Tuesday.

This is the Union Home Minister's first visit to Manipur since the ethnic clashes in the northeastern state on May 80. After more than a fortnight of peace, the state on Sunday witnessed a sudden spike in clashes and firing between militants and security forces. Officials said the death toll in the clashes has gone up to <>.

Ethnic violence erupted in Manipur for the first time after the 'Tribal Unity March'. The 'Tribal Unity March' was organised after the Meitei community staged a protest on May 3 demanding Scheduled Caste (ST) status.

Tensions over the eviction of Kuki villagers from the reserved forest land had led to violence in the past, leading to several small agitations.

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