Manipur government has asked the people of the state to surrender illegal weapons within 15 days or face comprehensive search operations by security forces, a press release by the chief minister's office said on Friday.

"The state government is willing to take a considerate view of the persons submitting such illegal weapons within these 15 days starting today (Friday)", the statement said, adding "at the end of these 15 days, central and state security forces will undertake strong and comprehensive search operations all over the state to recover such weapons, and all persons associated with illegal weapons will be dealt with severely, as per the law." "There have been reports of extortion, threats and abduction by miscreants using these illegal weapons. This is a serious matter and state government will take strong actions against such groups in any part of the state," the statement said.

The government also appealed people to co-operate with the Centre and state government in restoring peace and normalcy.

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