SENAPATI, May 17: Security forces have intensified their operations across the hill and valley districts of Manipur, focusing on fringe and vulnerable areas to curb the presence of illegal arms and ensure civilian safety. In a series of well-coordinated search operations and area domination exercises, multiple arms hauls were reported from different locations in the state, revealing the extent of concealed weaponry in sensitive zones.

During one such operation in Kailenjang village and the surrounding area under the jurisdiction of Senapati Police Station in Senapati District, security personnel recovered two Bolt Action Single Barrel Rifles, one .22 Bolt Action Rifle, one 9 mm Pistol with a magazine and two live rounds, along with ten live rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition.

Another major seizure took place in the Kharungpat area near the Buffalo Farm under Kakching Police Station in Kakching District. In this operation, the forces recovered one Carbine with an empty magazine, four Bolt Action Single Barrel Rifles, one Revolver, and three No. 36 Hand Grenades. The team also discovered one 51 mm Mortar Shell, twenty empty cases of AK Rifle ammunition, thirteen empty cases of .303 Rifle rounds, and ten empty cases of SLR Rifle ammunition. Additional items found at the location included four Tube Launching devices, one Smoke Grenade, three Tear Smoke Shells with soft noses, one Baofeng handheld communication set, two camouflage helmets, two BP covers, one magazine pouch, two pairs of tactical boots, and three bags.

In a separate operation in the Nungjengbi Urup Hill area under Irilbung Police Station in Imphal East District, security forces uncovered another large cache hidden inside a white sack. The items recovered included one .303 Rifle with magazine, one 9 mm Pistol with three magazines, one country-made Pistol, six live rounds of 9 mm Pistol ammunition, three .303 Light Machine Gun magazines, seven Carbine magazines, six live rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, and nineteen live rounds of AK-47 (5.56 mm) ammunition. Also recovered were one Wood Piercing Shell, 410 empty cases of 7.62 mm rounds, six Tube Launching mini flares, five Normal Tear Smoke Shells, two Tear Chili Smoke Shells, and two Motorola Wireless Set Batteries.

Security operations in Manipur remain ongoing, with officials reiterating their commitment to restoring peace.