Imphal, Feb. 23 -- Following the appeal of Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, and joint efforts in public awareness by District Police, Assam Rifles and CRPF, people in Manipur have begun surrendering illegally held weapons.

16 weapons and ammunition were voluntarily surrendered in Churachandpur district and one weapon in Imphal East District by the members of the Zomi and Kuki communities on Saturday, Manipur police said in a press release.

"16 weapons and ammunition in Churachandpur District (one M-16 Rifle, one 7.62 mm SLR Rifle, two AK Rifles, three INSAS Rifles, two M-79 40mm Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL), one 9mm Carbine Machine Gun, one 51 mm Mortar, three .303 Rifles, two Single Barrel Rifles, sixty-four Gelatine Sticks,...