Northeast Desk, 27th September: In a series of coordinated operations, security forces recovered a large cache of arms and explosives in Manipur’s Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts, police reported on Friday. The seizures are part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of illegal weaponry in the conflict-affected state.
On Thursday, a joint operation involving the Manipur Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) led to a significant arms recovery in the Haraothel and Lambung hilltops of Kangpokpi district. Authorities confiscated an improvised projectile launcher, commonly referred to as a “pumpi,” alongside 11 unused bombs, each weighing approximately 1.5 kg, and 10 empty shell cases, according to a police statement.
In a separate operation conducted in Suangdai, located in Churachandpur district, a combined team of Manipur Police and Assam Rifles seized additional weapons, including a homemade 9 mm pistol and a single-barrel shotgun. Along with these, the team also discovered Myanmar currency, a bulletproof jacket, and camouflage uniforms, suggesting possible cross-border ties and organized operations.
These discoveries follow another operation on Wednesday by Assam Rifles, during which troops recovered an improvised explosive device (IED) in Thoubal district. The IED was found during a search operation in Salam Patong village under the jurisdiction of Nongpok Sekmai police station, further adding to the rising concerns over the proliferation of illegal arms and explosives in the region.
The recent recoveries mark a critical step in the ongoing crackdown by security forces aimed at reducing violence and restoring stability in Manipur.