Security Forces Seize Large Cache of Weapons in Manipur's Loktak Lake Area
Significant Arms Recovery in Loktak Lake
An aerial view of Manipur's Loktak Lake. (Photo Credit)
Imphal, Aug 4: On Tuesday, security personnel uncovered a substantial stockpile of firearms, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and other military-grade supplies near Sendra Hill in Loktak Lake, located under the jurisdiction of Moirang Police Station in Bishnupur district.
Authorities indicated that this discovery emphasizes the ongoing issue of illegally stored weapons and explosives in remote and hard-to-reach areas surrounding Loktak Lake.
According to a police statement, “This recovery underscores the persistent presence of hidden arms and explosives in isolated locations, especially around the phumdis (floating biomass formations) of Loktak Lake, which have been frequently utilized as hideouts and dumping sites for weaponry by criminal and militant groups.”
The confiscated items comprised a .32 caliber pistol with a magazine, a single-barrel breech-loading gun, a .22 bolt-action rifle, a Jefferson rifle with a magazine, nine locally manufactured CMG (carbine) firearms with magazines, two locally made MP-5 firearms with magazines, three locally crafted Lathode guns, two Pompi guns, six packets of improvised explosive devices, among other accessories.
Security forces with the seized war-like stores. (Photo Credit)
The phumdis, which are floating masses of vegetation and organic material, serve as habitats for parts of the fishing community, many of whom reside in floating huts constructed on these biomass formations.
However, security agencies have long viewed certain regions as susceptible due to their challenging terrain and limited access, making them potential hideouts for armed factions.
As the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, Loktak Lake has played a significant role in previous counter-insurgency efforts.
In 2009, security forces initiated Operation Summer Storm, a significant campaign aimed at dislodging militants believed to be taking refuge within the lake's floating settlements and phumdis.
This recent recovery coincides with heightened intelligence-led operations throughout Manipur aimed at seizing illegal firearms, explosives, and ammunition, as part of efforts to enhance law and order in the conflict-affected region.
Authorities reiterated that intelligence-driven search operations and area control exercises are being routinely conducted across both hilly and valley districts to recover illegal arms and explosives, mitigate militant activities, and restore law and order.
Investigators are currently working to determine the origin, ownership, and intended purpose of the seized cache, while also striving to identify those responsible for hiding the arms and explosives.
Security officials have stated that similar operations will persist in vulnerable areas across the state as part of ongoing efforts to prevent violence, bolster security, and achieve lasting peace and normalcy in Manipur.