Have 13 Militants Been Arrested in Joint Operations in Manipur? 23 Weapons Recovered!

Synopsis
In a significant operation, security forces in Manipur arrested 13 militants and seized 23 weapons, including grenades and rifles. This effort showcases their commitment to restoring peace in the region amidst ongoing unrest.
Key Takeaways
- 13 militants were arrested across multiple districts.
- 23 weapons, including grenades and rifles, were recovered.
- Joint operations underscore the commitment to peace in Manipur.
- The military response follows ethnic violence that began in May 2023.
- Multiple security forces were deployed to enhance stability in the region.
Imphal, May 26 (NationPress) In a series of coordinated operations in Manipur, army and various central and state security forces successfully apprehended 13 militants belonging to diverse groups and confiscated 23 weapons, including grenades, ammunition, and other military supplies, officials reported on Monday.
Defence spokesman Lt Col Amit Shukla stated that these well-orchestrated joint operations led to the capture of 13 operatives from multiple hill and valley-based extremist factions.
The operations were carried out by the army, along with other central and state forces over the last few days across five districts: Kangpokpi, Senapati, Imphal East, Imphal West, and Thoubal. The weapons seized during these operations comprise Self Loading Rifles (SLR), a .303 rifle, a double-barrel breech-loading shotgun, bolt-action rifles, improvised mortars, pull mechanism rifles, and 9mm pistols.
The detained militants and the seized weapons and ammunition have been handed over to the Manipur Police for further investigation and processing.
These coordinated actions by the security forces underline their steadfast dedication to preserving peace and security in Manipur, Lt Col Shukla emphasized.
A senior police official remarked that following the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023, various battalions of the Army and Assam Rifles, in addition to the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), were deployed in the northeastern state by the Ministries of Defence and Home Affairs.
Alongside the Army and Assam Rifles, a significant contingent of the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were also dispatched to various regions of Manipur to manage the ongoing situation.
On another note, BSF Director General Daljit Singh Chawdhary visited the conflict-affected Manipur on May 24-25 to assess the current law and order status. A spokesperson for the BSF mentioned that during his two-day visit, the force chief conducted separate discussions with the Manipur government’s security advisor Kuldiep Singh, a former DG CRPF, and the state’s Director General of Police Rajiv Singh to evaluate the law and order conditions.
The DG, accompanied by senior BSF officials, addressed officers and troops at the force’s sector headquarters in Koirengei through a Sainik Sammelan. All officers and BSF personnel in various districts of Manipur participated via video conference. He commended their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the region and encouraged them to continue their dedicated service.