Security Forces have made another significant arms recovery in Manipur as part of their continued search operations in vulnerable and fringe areas across the state. On Tuesday, troops recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition, and tactical gear from the general area of Rashidpur under Jiribam Police Station in Jiribam district.
Details of Recovery
According to official sources, the following arms and military equipment were seized during the operation:
| Item | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 7.62mm Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) | 01 | Standard military-grade weapon |
| 5.56mm INSAS Rifle | 01 | Infantry assault rifle used by Indian forces |
| Pistols | 02 | Small arms, often used for close encounters |
| Handheld Radio Sets | 06 | Portable communication devices |
| Radio Set Charger | 01 | Equipment for recharging communication gear |
| Magazines | 02 | Ammunition feeding devices |
| Rounds of Ammunition | 41 | Multiple calibres |
| Ammunition Pouch | 01 | Tactical gear for storing cartridges |
| Jungle Shoes | 02 pairs | Military-style boots |
The seizure highlights the continuing presence of hidden arms stockpiles in Manipur’s border districts. Officials believe these recoveries are part of larger efforts to neutralize threats posed by insurgent groups operating in the region.
Strategic Significance
The recovered items, particularly the SLR and INSAS rifles, are capable of causing significant damage in the hands of militants. The discovery of communication sets and jungle shoes further suggests that these were meant for organized militant activities rather than isolated crime.
Jiribam district, located along the Manipur–Assam border, has often been used as a transit route for movement of arms and insurgents. Security Forces have increased surveillance in this area over the past few months following intelligence inputs about stockpiling of arms.
Ongoing Search Operations
Search operations and area domination exercises have become routine in fringe and vulnerable zones. Security officials say these efforts are not just about recovery of weapons but also about instilling confidence among local residents.
A senior officer involved in the operation noted:
“Every recovery like this helps reduce the striking capability of anti-social elements and insurgent groups. Our objective is to ensure that these weapons do not find their way back into circulation.”
Broader Context
Manipur has seen repeated arms recoveries over the past weeks, underlining both the scale of weaponization in the state and the effectiveness of ongoing counter-insurgency operations. Security Forces believe such seizures are essential to curtail the violent capacity of militant groups, particularly in districts bordering Myanmar and Assam.
Authorities have confirmed that investigations are underway to trace the origins of the recovered weapons and to identify possible networks involved in storing them in Rashidpur.