Massive Arms Haul in Valley Districts:  Combined security forces recover 86 weapons, explosives in pre-dawn raids

In a major development aimed at restoring law and order in the conflict-affected state, Manipur Police, in coordination with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the Army, and Assam Rifles, launched a series of well-coordinated search operations in the early hours of July 15 across multiple valley districts. Acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding concealed arms and warlike materials, the joint security forces carried out simultaneous raids in the peripheral and vulnerable areas of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts.
The operation resulted in the recovery of 86 weapons, a significant seizure that included five AK series rifles, three INSAS rifles, sixteen self-loading rifles (SLRs), five .303 rifles, nineteen pistols, two carbines, nine other rifles, sixteen SBBL and bore action guns, two anti-riot guns, one JVPC, one double-barrel gun, six bolt-action guns, and a two-inch mortar.
In addition to the firearms, the teams recovered nine grenades, six high-explosive mortar shells, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and forty-one assorted magazines. Ammunition seized included 526 live rounds of 7.62 mm, 226 rounds of 5.56 mm, 190 rounds of .303, seven rounds of 9 mm, and four rounds of .32 mm. The forces also confiscated six wireless handsets and two tube launchers.
The Manipur Police, in a press statement, described the operation as a major success in the ongoing effort to neutralize illegal arms networks and restore peace and security in the state. The operation underscores the close coordination among security agencies and the proactive approach being taken to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of citizens.
Police authorities reaffirmed their commitment to continuing such focused and intelligence-driven operations. They urged the public to extend cooperation and promptly report any suspicious activities or information related to illegal arms to the nearest police station or the Central Control Room.
With the state still under President’s Rule and facing an extended period of political and ethnic unrest, the recovery has come as a morale booster for the security forces. Senior police officials have assured that similar operations will continue in a sustained and targeted manner to safeguard lives and property and to help bring normalcy back to Manipur.