Did Security Forces Apprehend 17 Militants and Recover 31 Weapons in Manipur?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Security forces captured 17 militants in Manipur.
- A total of 31 weapons were recovered during the operations.
- The operations involved multiple security agencies working together.
- Ongoing efforts aim to address vehicle thefts amid regional unrest.
- The commitment to restoring peace in Manipur remains a priority for authorities.
Imphal, May 5 (NationPress) In a series of coordinated operations, the Army, Assam Rifles, and various other security forces successfully recovered 31 weapons, along with significant amounts of ammunition and explosives, while apprehending 17 militants across different districts of Manipur, officials confirmed on Monday.
Defence spokesman Lt Col Amit Shukla stated that the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, and Manipur Police conducted these joint operations over recent days, resulting in the recovery of 31 arms, which included advanced weaponry, 14 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), numerous grenades, ammunition, and war-like supplies.
The seizures took place across four districts in Manipur: Kakching, Tengnoupal, Bishnupur, and Kangpokpi, which cover both the valley and mountainous regions.
The recovered arms featured a variety of weapons such as Self Loading Rifle (SLR), two single-barrel guns, one bolt-action rifle, improvised launchers (pompi), a pistol, carbine, INSAS rifle, Pt .22 rifle, and improvised mortars (pompi).
Lt Col Shukla also noted that multiple joint operations involving the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and local police led to the capture of 17 militants belonging to valley and hill-based insurgent factions, along with the retrieval of a pistol, mobile phones, and motorcycles, among other items.
The detained individuals and the seized items have been transferred to the Manipur Police.
These strategic actions by the security forces underscore their steadfast commitment to upholding peace and stability in Manipur, according to the defence spokesman.
In a related effort, the police conducted a special operation over the past 24 hours, recovering three additional stolen vehicles as part of a drive against anti-social elements.
In the wake of ethnic violence in Manipur, incidents of vehicle theft have surged, with a total of 145 stolen cars and 25 two-wheelers recovered since April 16 from various locations throughout the state.
The police initiated a special operation on April 16 aimed at recovering stolen or snatched vehicles. The combined forces have continued their search operations and area dominance in vulnerable regions across the hill and valley districts.