Imphal: In a significant stride towards restoring normalcy, a joint operation by Manipur Police, CRPF, BSF, Army, and Assam Rifles on Saturday, July 26, yielded a substantial haul of illegal arms, ammunition, and other warlike stores across the valley districts.
The intelligence-led offensive, launched in the early hours, targeted specific inputs concerning concealed weaponry in peripheral and suspected areas of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts.
The meticulously planned search and seizure operations, executed simultaneously across these five districts, underscore the unwavering commitment of security forces to dismantle illegal armed networks and re-establish public order in the conflict-sensitive region. The coordinated effort proved highly effective, leading to the recovery of a diverse arsenal.
Among the 90 weapons seized were three AK-series rifles, one M16, an INSAS LMG, five INSAS Rifles, four SLRs, seven .303 Rifles, twenty pistols, four carbines, eight other assorted rifles, twenty SBBL/Bore Action Guns, three Anti-Riot Guns, one Lathode Gun, three DBBLs, and six Bolt Action Guns. Additionally, three two-inch mortars and one locally made pipe gun were also recovered.
The ammunition recovered totalled a staggering 728 rounds, including 399 rounds of 7.62 mm, 228 rounds of 5.56 mm, 35 rounds of .303, 23 rounds of 9 mm, and six rounds of .32 mm. Further demonstrating the scale of the illegal stockpiling, 21 grenades, one HE mortar shell, nine tube launching devices, and six Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were also secured. Beyond weaponry, the operation also led to the seizure of 21 assorted magazines and 24 wireless handsets, indicating sophisticated communication capabilities among the illicit groups.
Officials have lauded the operation as a critical success in stemming the flow of illegal arms within the valley areas. These decisive actions are an integral part of an ongoing, intelligence-driven strategy aimed at preempting unrest, neutralizing threats to public safety, and fostering long-term peace and stability in Manipur.
The Manipur Police have reiterated their steadfast dedication to safeguarding the citizens and upholding law and order across the state. They have urged the populace to actively cooperate with authorities and promptly report any suspicious activities or information pertaining to illegal arms stockpiling to their nearest police station or the Central Control Room.
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