IMPHAL, June 14: In a significant breakthrough aimed at restoring law and order in strife-hit Manipur, security forces recovered a massive cache of automatic weapons and warlike materials during coordinated search operations carried in the intervening night of June 13-14 across five valley districts.
The operations, based on specific intelligence inputs, were jointly conducted by the Manipur Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), the Indian Army, and the Assam Rifles. The search operations targeted locations on the outskirts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts.
Security officials confirmed the recovery of 328 firearms, including 151 Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs),65 INSAS rifles, 73 rifles of various makes, 5 carbine guns and 2 MP-5 submachine guns.
In addition to the firearms, a large quantity of explosives and other warlike stores were seized, significantly bolstering efforts to dismantle illegal arms networks operating in the region.
Speaking on the development, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo described the seizure as a “major achievement” for the combined security forces. “These intelligence-based operations mark a crucial step forward in our sustained efforts to restore normalcy, maintain public order, and ensure the safety and security of our citizens,” he said.
Officials stated that such operations would continue in a “sustained and focused manner”, with coordination between state and central security agencies being strengthened further in the days ahead.
The Manipur Police has also issued an appeal to the public, urging citizens to cooperate with law enforcement authorities and to report any suspicious activity or information related to illegal arms to the nearest police station.
