Imphal, July 4 (NationPress) In a significant achievement over the past three weeks, the security forces have successfully recovered 203 arms, predominantly advanced weaponry, along with approximately 160 diverse types of ammunition from the troubled hilly regions of Manipur, as reported by officials on Friday.

A senior police officer disclosed that, based on precise intelligence about a substantial cache of arms, ammunition, and other military supplies hidden in various locations, coordinated operations were initiated simultaneously at multiple sites across four districts in the mountainous area.

Joint teams consisting of Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) conducted extensive operations in the suspected regions of Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, Chandel, and Churachandpur districts from Thursday through Friday. These efforts led to the successful recovery of the 203 arms and around 160 types of ammunition, explosives, and other military materials.

The seized arms include 21 INSAS Rifles, 11 AK series rifles, 26 Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), two sniper rifles, three carbines, 17 PT - 303 rifles, two 5 mm Mor, two MA Assault rifles, three M 79 Grenade Launchers, one Rifle with Scope, 18 Single shot Breech Loaded, 11 Single Barrel Bolt Action, six pistols, one .22 Rifle, two Lathode, 25 Single Bore, three country-made pistols, four Muzzle loaded rifles, six Single Bore, 38 - Pompi, and one Lathode.

The ammunition and explosives consisted of 29 - 5.56 mm rounds, 80 - 7.62 mm rounds, 30 IEDs, 10 Grenades, nine Pompi Shells, and two Lathode Grenades.

The official explained that these intelligence-driven coordinated operations in the hill districts signify a major accomplishment for the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, Army, and Central Security Forces as they strive to restore normalcy, uphold public order, and ensure the safety and security of citizens and their possessions.

The Manipur Police reaffirmed its dedication to creating a peaceful and secure environment in Manipur, the official stated during a press briefing.

A statement from the office of the Director General of Police (DGP) urged the public to assist the police and security forces by promptly reporting any suspicious activities or tips regarding illegal arms to the nearest police station or the Central Control Room.

Senior police officials are maintaining close collaboration with all security stakeholders to ensure that such operations continue in a sustained and focused manner, aimed at restoring normalcy, upholding public order, and protecting the lives and property of all citizens.

This latest arms and ammunition recovery occurred three weeks after a significant cache was seized during joint security operations on June 13-14.

During those operations, security forces recovered 328 arms and about 9,300 different types of ammunition from five districts in the Imphal valley—Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching.

Following the implementation of President's Rule in Manipur on February 13, just days after N Biren Singh resigned as Chief Minister, security forces have achieved two significant successes in arms and ammunition recovery within three weeks.

As of March 6, around 1,000 looted and illegally held weapons, many of which are sophisticated, along with a large cache of ammunition, have been returned to the security forces since Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla made his initial appeal on February 20.