Major Arms Recovery in Manipur: Over 200 Weapons Seized

Significant Weapons Seizure in Manipur

Imphal, July 4: In a remarkable operation, security forces have confiscated over 200 weapons, including firearms and military-grade supplies, during a series of coordinated actions across four hill districts in Manipur, as confirmed by a senior police official on Friday.

The joint operations, executed from midnight Thursday to Friday morning, focused on various locations within the interior and suspected areas of Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, Chandel, and Churachandpur districts.

“Based on specific intelligence regarding a significant stockpile of arms, ammunition, and other military materials hidden in different sites, teams from the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, the Army, and Central Armed Police Forces conducted simultaneous operations,” stated Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo during a press conference.

The recovered items included 21 INSAS rifles, 11 AK series rifles, 26 self-loading rifles (SLRs), two sniper rifles, three carbines, 17 .303 rifles, two MA assault rifles, three M79 grenade launchers, 11 single-barrel bolt action guns, nine pistols, 18 single-shot breech-loaded rifles, and 38 locally termed “Pumpis,” which refer to various improvised light weapons.

Alongside the firearms, the forces also seized 109 rounds of assorted ammunition, 30 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 10 grenades, nine Pumpi shells, and two lathode grenades.

ADGP Lhatoo reaffirmed the dedication of the Manipur Police and security forces to reestablish peace and security in the troubled state. He urged the public to assist police and security personnel by reporting any suspicious activities or information regarding illegal arms to the nearest police station or Central Control Room.

Earlier that day, Manipur Police reported the recovery of 11 additional firearms and military supplies in separate operations in Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts. One person was apprehended in Imphal East district for the illegal possession of a handgun.

Security forces have been actively conducting search operations and maintaining a presence in vulnerable areas throughout the state, which is currently under President’s rule following ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities that erupted in May 2023, resulting in at least 260 fatalities and displacing thousands.