Imphal, July 16: Security forces recovered a substantial cache of arms, ammunition, explosives and military equipment during separate search operations in Manipur’s Imphal West and Jiribam districts on Tuesday, officials said.
In the first operation, conducted at Ishok Mamang Leikai near Loktak Lake under Wangoi Police Station in Imphal West district, security personnel seized four modified bolt-action single-barrel rifles, one modified .303 rifle with a magazine, one M2 carbine fitted with a telescopic sight and magazine, one 9 mm pistol with a magazine, and 26 live rounds of ammunition of various calibres.
In another operation carried out in the forested area near Mongbung village in Jiribam district, security forces recovered a larger cache that included one Pumpi gun, two country-made pistols, two .36 hand grenades, four country-made 12-bore single-barrel breech-loading (SBBL) guns, and 331 live rounds of ammunition of different calibres.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of three 51 mm mortar shells, 17 magazines compatible with different firearms, and military equipment, including bulletproof jacket covers, jungle shoes and camouflage trousers.
The recoveries were made as part of ongoing search and area domination operations aimed at tracing illegally held arms and preventing the movement of weapons in violence-affected areas of the state.
Further investigation into the recovered arms, ammunition and explosives is underway.
