Imphal: Security forces in Manipur recovered a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives from different locations in Kakching and Imphal districts, while also arresting a militant linked to a banned outfit, underscoring the persistent instability in the violence-hit state.
According to officials, the seizures were made on Wednesday during separate search operations. In Kakching district’s Tokpaching Moirangkhom Hill Range, the police unearthed two SMG carbines without magazines, a .303 rifle with magazine, a single barrel gun, two double barrel guns, a modified sniper rifle, a modified 9 mm pistol with magazine, three mortar shells, two IEDs, and two hand grenades. Ammunition, detonators, and other war-like materials were also recovered from the site.
A separate raid in Imphal East’s Yaralpat area, near a school, led to the recovery of one .303 rifle, 16 live rounds of .303 ammunition, two Lathode 40 mm guns, one .303 rifle magazine, a small carbine, a handmade magazine, a 9 mm pistol, seven detonators, two grenades, and several other articles. These items were handed over to Porompat Police Station for further legal action.
Despite the state government’s two-week disarmament drive, which ended on March 6 and urged the public to surrender looted weapons, the continued recovery of such dangerous items reflects the deep-rooted challenges in restoring peace. Authorities have repeatedly warned that illegal weapons in circulation remain a major threat to law and order.
In a related development, police in Imphal West arrested a 45-year-old member of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (PWG) from Lamsang Bazaar. He was allegedly involved in extorting money from government officials across the state capital and nearby areas. His arrest is being seen as part of intensified efforts to clamp down on insurgent activities in the region.
Manipur has been gripped by ethnic violence since May 2023, following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ protesting a High Court order related to the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Over 260 people have lost their lives in the clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
President’s Rule was imposed in the state on February 13 this year, days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from his post. The state assembly remains under suspended animation, with no immediate resolution in sight as tensions continue to simmer.