Security forces in Manipur, including the Manipur Police, Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Assam Rifles, have successfully recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives during a series of coordinated search operations in the state’s hill and valley districts. These operations are part of ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons and ensure public safety in the region.
Significant Weapons Seized in Thoubal District
In one of the major operations in Thoubal District, security personnel from the Manipur Police and Army conducted a targeted search in the Fungei Ching area, resulting in the seizure of a substantial haul of weapons. Among the items recovered were two 9 mm SMG Carbines with magazines, a 12-Bore Single Barrel Gun, a 9 mm pistol with a magazine, and a .32 pistol with a magazine. The operation also led to the recovery of five HE-36 hand grenades, four arming rings, two tube launchers, eleven rounds of live ammunition, a detonator, two BP iron plates, a bulletproof jacket, tear smoke grenades, stun shells, a tear smoke shell, and a Walkie Talkie Baofeng Radio Set.
Churachandpur District Operations Yield Heavy Artillery
In another operation in Churachandpur District, forces uncovered a diverse range of heavy weapons and explosives from Moavom. The cache included a 5.5 ft rocket, a 3 ft rocket, a large-sized country-made mortar, two medium-sized country-made mortars, four country-made mortar bombs, two pistols with magazines, nine live rounds of ammunition, a single barrel rifle, 6.3 kg of explosive grade-2 material, 17 meters of cortex, and 9 meters of fuse.
Further search operations in Moljol village, also in Churachandpur, led to the discovery of four improvised heavy mortars, three 12-bore RDS, and three improvised mortar bombs, seized with the combined efforts of Manipur Police, ITBP, and Assam Rifles.
Weapons Recovered in Imphal West District
In a separate operation in the Khongnangpokpi hill range of Imphal West District, the Manipur Police recovered two MP5-A3 machine pistols with magazines, an INSAS Excalibur Rifle with a magazine, and 37 live rounds of ammunition, further bolstering the ongoing campaign against illegal arms in the state.
Ensuring Safe Movement and Security
In addition to weapon recovery, security forces ensured the safe movement of 56 and 307 vehicles along NH-37 and NH-2, respectively, by implementing strict security measures and providing security convoys along sensitive routes. A total of 111 checkpoints were established across various districts, including both hill and valley areas, to maintain vigilant security. Despite these stringent measures, no detentions were reported for violations.
Commitment to Peace and Stability
These operations reflect the security forces’ proactive stance in tackling ongoing security challenges in Manipur. Their efforts highlight a strong commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region through targeted action against the proliferation of illegal arms and ensuring the safe movement of essential goods and services.
The recovery of such a significant amount of weaponry underscores the critical role of security forces in safeguarding public safety and reinforcing the rule of law amidst persistent security concerns in Manipur.
