Imphal, June 27: Security forces recovered a cache of firearms, ammunition and explosive materials during three separate search operations conducted across Manipur on June 26, as part of the ongoing drive to trace and seize illegally held weapons in the state, police said.
In Noney district, a search operation at Joujangtek under Khoupum Police Station resulted in the recovery of two country-made single-barrel firearms along with 49 cartridges.
In a separate operation in Thoubal district, security personnel recovered one submachine gun (SMG) carbine with a magazine and five bolt-action rifles from the foothills of the Tentha Samuching area under Khongjom Police Station.
The largest recovery was made during a search operation in the hill ranges between Maohing village and North Changoubung under Kangpokpi Police Station. Security forces seized an AK-47 rifle with a magazine, a 9 mm carbine with a magazine, one .303 rifle, four pistols, 29 single-barrel firearms, a .303 rifle magazine loaded with three live rounds, 129 rounds of live ammunition of various calibres, two pump-action guns, three improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 200 grams of PEK explosive, two No. 36 hand grenades and three Baofeng radio sets.
According to police, the recoveries were made during intensified operations aimed at locating and confiscating illegally possessed weapons, ammunition and explosives in different parts of Manipur as security agencies continue efforts to strengthen law and order across the state.
