Imphal: Security forces recovered a substantial haul of arms, ammunition and explosive materials in two separate operations conducted across Kakching and Bishnupur districts on 18 November, marking a significant development in ongoing counter-insurgency measures in Manipur.
In the first operation, a joint team of security personnel seized a large stockpile of weapons from the Kharungpat Marin, Buffalo Farm area under Kakching Police Station. The recovered items included an AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine, a single-barrel gun, a bolt-action single-barrel gun, two pistols—one with an empty magazine and another loaded with two rounds—along with a handset without battery, a charger, a tear-smoke grenade, three tear-smoke shells, five detonators with wire, seven units of IDL explosive (Class-II), a tube-launcher and a pair of boots. Officials indicated that the cache is suspected to be linked to militant groups operating in the region.
In a parallel operation, another team recovered a sizeable collection of arms and tactical equipment from the Nachou Kha Mamang Patton area under Bishnupur Police Station. The seizure comprised a 9mm pistol with a magazine, two 9mm improvised pistols with magazines, two SBBL guns, an improvised sniper rifle with a sling, two No. 36 hand grenades, live ammunition including 12-gauge cartridges, 9mm rounds and .303 rounds, three 2-inch mortar rounds, a Bushnell 3-9X40EG 6X telescopic sight with cover, three bullet-proof plates, two plate covers, two helmets, a tyre tube and a gunny sack.
Security sources noted that the twin recoveries highlight continued efforts by armed groups to rearm themselves amid persistent tensions in the state. Further investigations are underway to trace the origins and intended use of the recovered items.
