Manipur Government Orders Statewide Verification of Arms Licenses and Dealers

Imphal, April 19, 2025:

The Manipur government has directed all district administrations to initiate a thorough verification of documents related to arms license holders and arms dealers across the state, a senior official confirmed on Saturday.

In a circular issued by the Commissioner (Home), all Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to take immediate steps to verify the authenticity of arms licenses and dealer records within their jurisdictions. The move aims to tighten regulatory oversight amid growing concerns over the misuse and illegal circulation of firearms.

“Non-compliance with the directive may attract penal action and could lead to the cancellation of the arms license,” the official stated, citing the circular.

In a separate but related order, the Manipur Police have issued specific instructions to arms license holders and dealers in Kangpokpi district. They are required to submit self-attested copies of their licenses along with a duly filled prescribed format to their nearest police station by April 25, 2025.

Local authorities, including village-level functionaries, have been tasked with notifying all gun license holders in their areas to ensure timely compliance.

The state government’s directive underscores its intent to regulate and monitor arms possession more strictly in the wake of prevailing security concerns.