Imphal: The security situation in Manipur has remained stable over the past 24 hours, allowing security forces to intensify search operations in vulnerable and fringe areas across several districts, the Manipur Police reported in a press release.
As part of these efforts, police recovered a cache of arms and ammunition on July 3. From the Wangoo Naodakhong area under Kumbi Police Station in Bishnupur district, authorities seized a .32 pistol, two empty magazines, and two live rounds of .32 mm ammunition.
In a separate operation in the forested area of Maovom village under Churachandpur Police Station, security forces recovered a large quantity of weapons and military gear. The items included one country-made AK rifle with magazine, a lathode gun, four country-made pistols with magazines, three single-barrel country-made rifles, one country-made Sten carbine, and four pump-action shotguns (Pumpis) of various sizes. Ammunition recovered included six 5.56mm live rounds, six 5.56mm empty cases, one 7.62mm AK-47 live round, nine 7.62mm empty cases, three live Pumpi rounds, six 12-gauge cartridges, and multiple empty shell casings of various calibres. Additionally, military gear such as a bulletproof jacket, helmet, a Baofeng walkie-talkie (without antenna), and a pair of jungle boots were also found.
Earlier, between June 15 and 22, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles under Spear Corps, in coordination with the Manipur Police, CRPF, BSF, and ITBP, conducted intelligence-led operations across hill and valley districts including Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching, Kamjong, Tengnoupal, Senapati, Imphal East, and Imphal West. These joint operations led to the apprehension of 17 cadres from various valley and hill-based insurgent groups. Security forces also seized 24 weapons, three improvised explosive devices (IEDs), grenades, ammunition, and other war-like materials, according to a statement from the Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (South).
On June 16, acting on specific intelligence inputs, a combined team of the Indian Army and Manipur Police conducted a search operation in the Leirongthel Pitra and Nongpok Sekmai areas of Thoubal district. The operation resulted in the recovery of a .303 rifle, a 12-bore double-barrel gun, a pistol, and accompanying ammunition and military supplies.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and preventing unlawful activities across the state.
