Imphal, July 28 (NationPress) In a remarkable achievement, security forces have successfully seized 155 firearms along with approximately 1,652 assorted ammunition in the troubled region of Manipur, officials reported on Monday.

This operation spanned just two days, resulting in the recovery of around 728 different types of ammunition and 90 firearms from five districts in the Imphal Valley, which include Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching.

A senior police official indicated that the operation involved a coalition of security personnel, including the Manipur Police, Army, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), who conducted comprehensive search missions in the hill districts of Manipur over recent days.

Following specific intelligence about a substantial cache of arms and ammunition hidden across various sites, coordinated operations were executed simultaneously in suspected locales within five hill districts: Churachandpur, Pherzawl, Kangpokpi, Chandel, and Tengnoupal.

Among the 155 firearms seized, there are eight AK series rifles, two INSAS rifles, four carbines, one Self-Loading Rifle (SLR), one M4 rifle, one sniper rifle (with telescope), two .303 rifles, 14 12-bore rifles, eight 9mm pistols, and 14 country-made pistols, in addition to various other weapons. The confiscated ammunition includes 39 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), 13 hand grenades, and 1,600 assorted rounds.

Additionally, 15 communication devices, four binoculars, and a telescope were retrieved.

A statement from the police headquarters highlighted that these intelligence-driven operations in the hill districts mark a significant victory for the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, Army, and other Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) members, who are dedicated to reinstating peace, maintaining public order, and protecting the lives and property of citizens.

The Manipur Police reiterates its commitment to promoting a safe and peaceful Manipur. They encourage citizens to collaborate with the police, Assam Rifles, Army, and other security forces by reporting any suspicious activities or information regarding illegal arms to local police stations or the Central Control Room.

Senior police officials are working closely with all security partners to ensure ongoing operations are sustained and focused on restoring normalcy, maintaining public order, and safeguarding citizens’ lives and properties, according to the statement.

This latest arms recovery represents the fifth significant success for security forces in just over a month.

On July 26, joint forces recovered 90 firearms and approximately 728 types of ammunition from the same five Imphal Valley districts. On July 15, another operation led to the recovery of 86 firearms and around 974 types of ammunition from these areas. Earlier, on July 4, the forces seized 203 firearms, primarily sophisticated, along with around 160 types of ammunition from four hill districts. Previously, on June 14, security forces retrieved 328 firearms and around 9,300 types of ammunition from the same five districts.