Imphal, April 30: Security forces in Manipur have recovered a substantial cache of arms, ammunition and explosives during a search operation in Chandel district, as part of intensified efforts to curb insurgent activity and illegal weapons movement in the region.
The operation was carried out on April 29 in the Khangtung village area under Molcham Police Station in Chandel district. Officials said the seized items included a 7.62 K-09 assault rifle with a magazine, four single bore rifles, a Mauser-style sporting rifle, a shotgun, a sub-machine gun with a magazine, and a pistol with a magazine.
In addition to firearms, security personnel recovered four pompis, three grenades along with detonators, five Baofeng communication sets, 28 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, and five 12-gauge cartridges. All items have been taken into custody for further legal procedures and investigation.
In a separate operation conducted a day earlier on April 28, security forces arrested an alleged arms smuggler, Khwairakpam Doren Singh (42), from the Upokpi Mayai Leikai area under Bishnupur Police Station in Bishnupur district. Officials identified him as an active cadre of the NRFM. A mobile phone and SIM card were seized from his possession at the time of arrest.
Authorities said search operations and area domination exercises have been stepped up across vulnerable and fringe areas of the state, as part of ongoing measures to dismantle insurgent networks and prevent the circulation of illegal arms and ammunition.
