In a continued effort to clamp down on illegal arms and insurgent activity in Manipur, security forces recovered a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and military gear during a meticulously planned search operation in the forested area near Maovom village, Churachandpur district.
The operation led to the seizure of 10 country-made weapons, including high-powered arms such as an AK-series rifle, a Lathod gun, a Sten carbine, along with communication equipment like a walkie-talkie and other tactical gear.
Details of Recovered Items
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| AK Rifle (Assault-type) | 1 |
| Lathod Gun | 1 |
| Sten Carbine | 1 |
| Country-made Weapons | 7 |
| Walkie-Talkie Device | 1 |
| Assorted Ammunition | Multiple Rounds |
| Military Gear (e.g., pouches, clothing items) | Several Units |
Search Operation Specifics
The joint operation was launched based on credible intelligence inputs suggesting the presence of hidden arms in the dense forest zone bordering sensitive areas of the district. The team conducted an exhaustive search in the early hours and successfully unearthed the hidden cache, which is suspected to have been used or stored by underground elements active in the region.
Officials believe the weapons could be linked to recent sporadic violence and tension in the area and have sent the materials for forensic examination to trace their origins.
Army and Police Statements
A senior security official involved in the operation said:
“The recovery of these weapons is a crucial step toward dismantling armed groups operating illegally. These arms could have caused severe damage if not intercepted in time.”
The Churachandpur police have registered a case and launched further investigations to determine who was responsible for concealing the weapons. Intelligence teams are also probing whether the cache is linked to any SoO-violating militant groups.
Growing Concern Over Hidden Arms
This is the latest in a series of weapon recoveries across Manipur, reflecting the ongoing threat posed by illegal arms circulation in the wake of ethnic unrest that has gripped the state since mid-2023.
Authorities have intensified counter-insurgency operations, especially in the hill districts, to ensure that peace-building efforts are not undermined by armed elements.
Conclusion
The seizure underscores the persistent challenge of arms proliferation in Manipur’s conflict-prone zones. Security forces have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining law and order and have called on citizens to cooperate with efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.