What Led to the Recovery of 328 Arms and 9,300 Rounds of Ammo in Manipur?
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Synopsis
In a significant operation, joint security forces in Manipur have seized 328 firearms and 9,300 rounds of ammunition, marking a key milestone in restoring peace after ethnic violence erupted in the state. The successful operation reinforces the commitment to ensuring public safety and order amidst ongoing tensions.
Key Takeaways
- 328 firearms recovered in joint operations.
- Approximately 9,300 rounds of ammunition seized.
- Collaboration between multiple security agencies.
- Operations based on specific intelligence reports.
- Commitment to restoring peace and safety in Manipur.
Imphal, June 14 (NationPress) In a significant breakthrough, security forces engaged in coordinated operations have successfully retrieved 328 firearms and approximately 9,300 assorted rounds of ammunition in the troubled state of Manipur, as reported by officials on Saturday.
A senior police representative disclosed that early Saturday morning, following precise intelligence regarding a substantial hoard of arms and ammunition hidden across multiple regions in five districts of the Imphal valley, simultaneous search efforts were initiated.
Joint teams comprising the Manipur Police, Army, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) seized a remarkable quantity of arms and a vast stockpile of ammunition from the periphery of five districts: Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching.
Among the 328 firearms retrieved, there are 151 Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), 73 rifles, 65 INSAS rifles, 12 Light Machine Guns (LMGs), six AK series rifles, five carbines, and six pistols, along with various other types.
The joint forces also recovered around 9,300 different types of ammunition in these highly successful operations, the official stated.
A statement from the Manipur Police emphasized that these intelligence-driven operations represent a significant accomplishment for the police and security forces in their ongoing mission to restore stability, maintain public order, and guarantee the safety and security of citizens and their properties.
The Manipur Police reiterated its dedication to a peaceful and secure environment in the state.
Furthermore, the public is encouraged to assist the police and security forces by reporting any suspicious activities or information related to illegal firearms to the nearest police station or Central Control Room.
“Senior police officials are in close collaboration with all security stakeholders to ensure that such operations are conducted in a sustained and focused manner to restore normalcy, uphold public order, and protect the safety and security of citizens and their properties,” the statement added.
The retrieval of 328 firearms and 9,300 rounds of ammunition marks the first major success for security forces in Manipur since ethnic violence erupted in the state on May 3, 2023.
Various official accounts and political factions have claimed that during the ethnic unrest, over 6,020 different types of sophisticated arms and countless rounds of ammunition were seized from police stations and outposts by mobs, attackers, and militants.
As of March 6, around 1,000 looted and illegally-held weapons, including many advanced firearms and extensive ammunition caches, have been returned to security forces following Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla's appeal initiated on February 20.
Point of View
I believe this operation reflects the ongoing commitment of security forces to restore normalcy in Manipur. The retrieval of these arms is a testament to the efforts made towards ensuring peace and safety for all citizens. It is crucial for the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities to further these efforts.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of arms were recovered in Manipur?
The recovery included 151 Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), 73 rifles, 65 INSAS rifles, 12 Light Machine Guns (LMGs), six AK series rifles, five carbines, and six pistols, among others.
How many rounds of ammunition were seized?
Approximately 9,300 rounds of various types of ammunition were recovered during the operation.
What was the reason behind the operations?
The operations were initiated based on specific intelligence reports regarding a large cache of arms and ammunition hidden in various areas of the Imphal valley.
Who were involved in the joint operations?
The operations involved multiple agencies, including the Manipur Police, Army, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
What is the significance of this operation?
This operation marks a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to restore normalcy and maintain public order in Manipur, especially following the ethnic violence that began in May 2023.
