Imphal: Manipur witnessed a decisive escalation in its battle against crime and insurgency as police and central security forces launched coordinated operations across the state, leading to significant seizures of illegal arms and narcotics. The crackdown, conducted over June 13 and 14, marked one of the most substantial security interventions in recent months.
On June 13, alert personnel at the Sita Motor Vehicles Check Post in Tengnoupal district intercepted a Maruti Suzuki Fronx, leading to the seizure of approximately 4.152 kg of suspected opium. Four individuals—Md Azad Khan, Md Maqsud, Alina Bibi, all from Lilong in Thoubal District, and Hatcy Zou from Chelep Village in Tengnoupal District—were arrested at the scene. Authorities also confiscated six mobile phones and two Aadhaar cards, which are now being scrutinised for further leads.
The following day, police arrested Makakmayum Boboy alias Sadam from Lilong, recovering 41 grams of suspected heroin (brown sugar) from his residence. This arrest underscored ongoing efforts to dismantle local narcotics distribution networks.
Simultaneously, a cache of weapons and riot-control gear was discovered at Tentha Samuching under Khongjom Police Station. Recovered items included a .303 rifle, a 7.62 mm SLR rifle, 48 live rounds, tear smoke shells, and anti-riot cartridges—pointing to the continuing presence of organised militant activity.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, joint security forces fanned out across the fringes of five valley districts during the intervening night of June 13 and 14. Their operations led to the recovery of a staggering 328 illegal firearms, including SLRs, INSAS rifles, AK-series rifles, LMGs, MP5 submachine guns, and even a mortar. The search also yielded 591 assorted magazines, over 8,600 rounds of live ammunition, grenades, detonators, tear gas shells, and other warlike materials.
The scale of the operation signals a determined move by the Manipur Police and allied agencies to neutralise armed threats and restore a semblance of normalcy to the conflict-affected region. Authorities have reiterated calls for public cooperation, urging residents to report suspicious activity to nearby police stations or the control room to support ongoing peace-building efforts.
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