Intensified Security Operations in Manipur Yield Significant Arms Recovery

In a significant crackdown on armed groups, security forces in Manipur have recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives from February to August. The operations have led to the arrest of numerous extremists and the surrender of several insurgents. The Director General of Police highlighted ongoing efforts to recover stolen weapons and emphasized a policy encouraging voluntary surrender. Additionally, the government is intensifying its fight against drug trafficking, destroying vast areas of illegal poppy cultivation. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has also initiated peace-building measures to foster trust in conflict-affected regions. This article delves into the details of these operations and their implications for the state's security landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 12, 2026, 17:38 IST

Major Arms Recovery in Manipur

Manipur CM examining the recovered weapons, ammunition, and explosives displayed in Imphal on Wednesday (Photo: AT)

Imphal, Aug 12: Law enforcement and security forces have ramped up their efforts against armed factions in Manipur, resulting in the recovery of a substantial cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives from February 5 to August 11.

During this timeframe, authorities seized 1,422 firearms, 7,010 rounds of ammunition, and 1,137 explosives, highlighting the extensive operations aimed at reducing armed conflict in the troubled state.

The recovered items were showcased at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in Imphal on Wednesday, during an event organized by the Home Department to present the achievements of security operations over the last six months.

In his address, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh stated that security forces and law enforcement agencies executed 1,570 joint operations during this period, resulting in the apprehension of 491 extremists.

"Since the current government took office, approximately 1,450 weapons have been retrieved, including nearly 85% of the arms that were stolen from police armories. Efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining weapons," the DGP noted.

The government also reported that 46 members of the Kangleipak Communist Party (People's War Group) surrendered in July. Additionally, over the past five months, more than 1,200 firearms, including around 600 that were taken from government armories, have been recovered.

Since the establishment of the new government, around 1,450 weapons have been retrieved, including nearly 85% of the arms stolen from police armories (Photo: AT)

Singh also emphasized the government's policy for surrendering individuals, which allows those who voluntarily return looted weapons to avoid legal repercussions.

"Individuals who surrender looted arms voluntarily will not face charges. We urge extremist and insurgent groups to abandon violence, lay down their arms, and reintegrate into society," he stated.

On the anti-drug front, Singh mentioned that security agencies have intensified their efforts against drug trafficking and illegal cultivation.

During the review period, authorities eradicated 692 acres of poppy cultivation, filed 158 narcotics-related cases, and arrested 223 individuals. Significant quantities of heroin, brown sugar, opium, ganja, and other illegal substances were also confiscated.

Meanwhile, the state government has highlighted various peace and reconciliation initiatives led by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh since he took office in February.

These initiatives included visits to conflict-affected areas and meetings with community leaders to build trust and restore normalcy.