Imphal, Jan 25: Security forces in Manipur on January 24 recovered a substantial cache of arms, ammunition and explosives from multiple locations across the state, underscoring heightened vigilance amid ongoing security challenges.
According to official sources, coordinated operations were carried out in Churachandpur, Imphal West and Imphal East districts, leading to the seizure of sophisticated weapons, grenades, improvised explosive devices and protective gear.
In Churachandpur district, security forces recovered a large stockpile of arms from the area between Loilamkot and Nalon under Churachandpur Police Station. The seizure included three RPG ammunitions, five 30-mm grenades, one bolt-action .303 rifle, two medium-range locally made “Pumpi” cannons, three Pumpi shells, two single-barrel rifles and ten SBBL cartridges.
In a separate operation at Waheng Khuman Mamang Leikai under Wangoi Police Station in Imphal West district, forces seized two modified .303 rifles, three pistols with magazines, six magazines of various weapons, three No. 36 high-explosive grenades, 23 rounds of live ammunition of different calibres, one detonator, four mortar bomb shells, one improvised explosive device and explosives weighing about one kilogram.
Meanwhile, another search operation at the foothills of the Naotrok Hill Range under Sagolmang Police Station in Imphal East district led to the recovery of a double-barrel breech-loading gun, a country-made 9 mm pistol with an empty magazine, two high-explosive hand grenades, one practice rifle grenade, two INSAS rifle magazines, 20 rounds of live ammunition, a bulletproof helmet, two bulletproof covers and two bulletproof iron plates.
Officials said the recoveries were part of intensified security operations aimed at preventing violence and restoring normalcy in the state. Further investigation is underway to identify those linked to the seized weapons.
