Imphal, Jan 24: Security forces have recovered a significant stockpile of arms, ammunition and communication equipment during intensified search operations carried out over the past two days in Imphal West and Imphal East districts, officials said.
On January 23, a joint team conducted a combing operation in the adjoining areas of Ngairangbam and Khongakhul villages under Patsoi police station in Imphal West district. The search led to the seizure of a modified .303 rifle with magazine, a locally made single-barrel breech-loading firearm, five pistols with magazines, an air pistol and a No. 36 high-explosive grenade. Security personnel also recovered 20 rounds of .303 ammunition, a Baofeng hand-held wireless set with charger and a bulletproof jacket cover from the area.
A day earlier, on January 22, an even larger haul was recovered from the foothills of the Chanung Hill Range under Sagolmang police station in Imphal East district. The cache included a .303 rifle with magazine, a self-loading rifle without magazine, eight SBBL firearms, a revolver, a .22 pistol with magazine and 24 rounds of live ammunition of different calibres.
The seizure also comprised five tube-launching devices, six lathode shells, an MK-13T cartridge and several Baofeng walkie-talkie sets along with batteries and chargers, pointing to the use of organised communication networks. In addition, camouflage uniforms and combat accessories such as helmets, shirts, pants, belts, sweatshirts and hats were recovered, indicating a high level of preparedness for armed activity.
Officials said the recoveries are part of ongoing intensified operations aimed at curbing the movement of illegal weapons, preventing violence and restoring stability in the region. Investigations are underway to trace the origin of the arms and identify the individuals or groups linked to the cache, while search operations continue in nearby areas.
