In a major counter-insurgency breakthrough, a joint team of security forces including the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, Indian Army, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) uncovered a substantial cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives during large-scale coordinated search operations in the hill districts of Manipur.
The operations, based on precise intelligence inputs, were carried out from midnight of July 3 and extended into the morning of July 4, targeting locations across Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, Chandel, and Churachandpur districts — regions that have seen frequent unrest and security challenges in recent months.
🔍 Key Findings of the Operation
Recovered Weapons
| Weapon Type | Quantity |
|---|---|
| INSAS Rifles | 21 |
| AK Series Rifles | 11 |
| Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs) | 26 |
| .303 Rifles | 17 |
| Pompi Guns | 38 |
| Single-Shot Breech-Loaded Firearms | 18 |
| Pistols | 6 |
| Sniper Rifles | 2 |
| Country-Made Pistols | 3 |
| Muzzle-Loaded Rifles | 4 |
| Other Assorted Arms (including carbines, grenades, launchers) | Multiple |
Ammunition & Explosives Seized
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 5.56 mm Rounds | 29 |
| 7.62 mm Rounds | 80 |
| Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) | 30 |
| Hand Grenades | 10 |
| Pompi Shells | 9 |
| Lathode Grenades | 2 |
🛡️ Security Forces Hail Operation as ‘Significant Milestone’
Terming the discovery a “significant achievement”, senior security officials underscored the importance of this operation in curbing the supply of illegal arms and restoring public confidence in the conflict-affected zones of Manipur.
A senior Manipur Police official stated:
“These recoveries strike a blow to the disruptive elements operating in the hill regions. Our focus remains firm on rooting out the sources of violence and instability. We urge citizens to remain vigilant and report any movement or storage of arms.”
🚨 Call for Public Vigilance
The Manipur Police have appealed to the public for continued cooperation and to report any suspicious individuals or activities that could relate to arms trafficking or extremist movements.
Authorities emphasized that similar operations will continue in a focused and sustained manner, with a clear objective to secure the lives and properties of all communities across the state.
This operation adds to a growing list of recent successes by security forces amid a fragile peace, and reinforces the state’s broader efforts toward restoring normalcy and law and order in Manipur.