Imphal, May 3: A substantial cache of arms and explosives was recovered during a joint operation by the Indian Army’s Assam Rifles and police in Pherzawl district on May 1, a day ahead of the anniversary of the ethnic conflict in the state.
The operation was launched based on specific intelligence inputs in the area between Ngampanung and Phulpui villages. Security forces seized a significant quantity of weapons and war-like stores during the search.
According to officials, the recovered items included seven country-made single-barrel guns, a pistol, a .303 rifle with a magazine, two Pompi launchers, 32 Pompi bombs, a Motorola communication set with charger, and 51 mortar rounds.
No arrests were made in connection with the operation.
Authorities said the recovery is particularly significant given the timing, as Manipur marks the anniversary of the ethnic conflict, with heightened security measures in place to prevent any disruption to public order.
The Assam Rifles stated that the seized arms and explosives could have been used to trigger unrest along National Highway-37 and nearby areas. All recovered items have been handed over to the police for further investigation.
