Security forces operating in Manipur’s hill districts have seized a massive cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives during a series of coordinated operations carried out over the past few days. The operations were launched by joint teams of Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, Army, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of large stockpiles of warlike materials hidden in interior locations.
Search operations were conducted simultaneously at multiple sites across Churachandpur, Pherzawl, Kangpokpi, Chandel, and Tengnoupal districts. These areas were identified as potential storage zones for illegal weapons. The joint security teams combed through suspected locations, resulting in the recovery of 155 weapons, including AK series rifles, INSAS rifles, SLRs, sniper rifles with telescopes, M4 rifles, .303 rifles, carbines, 12 bore guns, 9mm pistols, .22 rifles, shotguns, lathodes, bolt action rifles, single and double-barrel guns, country-made pistols, muzzle-loaded rifles, and a large number of locally made firearms including ‘pompi’.
In addition to the arms, the forces recovered 39 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), 13 hand grenades, and a total of 1652 rounds of assorted ammunition. Other materials seized during the operation include four binoculars, fifteen communication sets, and one telescope, all suspected to be used for surveillance and coordination purposes.
Officials from the Manipur Police stated that the success of these intelligence-led operations marks a major step forward in restoring peace and security in the region. They emphasized that the operations were part of a sustained mission to disrupt the flow of illegal arms and to dismantle any infrastructure that could fuel further violence.
The police have appealed to the public to extend cooperation by reporting any suspicious activities or information related to illegal arms movement. Citizens are encouraged to contact the nearest police station or report to the Central Control Room.
Senior officials of the Manipur Police are said to be maintaining close coordination with all security stakeholders to ensure that the efforts continue in a focused and effective manner. The operations are expected to continue in the coming days as part of broader measures aimed at restoring normalcy, maintaining public order, and safeguarding the lives and properties of the people in Manipur.