Intensified Security Operations in Manipur Yield Significant Arms Recovery

In a significant crackdown on armed groups, Manipur's security forces have recovered a substantial cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives from February to August. The operations have led to the arrest of numerous extremists and the surrender of several insurgents. The government is also focusing on drug trafficking, destroying large areas of illegal poppy cultivation. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh is actively engaging with community leaders to foster peace and restore normalcy in conflict-affected regions. This article delves into the ongoing efforts to enhance security and promote reconciliation in Manipur.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 12, 2026, 18:37 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, leading to the recovery of a substantial amount 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 reported that security forces and law enforcement conducted 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, which includes nearly 85% of the arms that were stolen from police armories. Efforts are ongoing to recover the remaining weapons," stated the DGP.

The government also revealed 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 that were looted from police armories (Photo: AT)

Singh reiterated the government's policy for surrendering individuals, stating that those who voluntarily return looted weapons will not face legal repercussions.

"We encourage those who surrender looted arms to do so without fear of prosecution. We urge extremist and insurgent groups to abandon violence, lay down their arms, and reintegrate into society," he added.

On the drug enforcement front, Singh noted that security agencies have intensified their efforts against drug trafficking and illegal cultivation.

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

Additionally, the state government emphasized 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 aimed at building trust and restoring normalcy.