Manipur Police Retrieve Most of the Stolen Arms and Ammunition from February 8 Incident
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On February 8, armed members of the Kangleipak Communist Party stole weapons from a Manipur Rifles outpost. Police have since recovered most of the items and arrested a suspect, with ongoing searches for remaining stolen arms.
Key Takeaways
- Manipur Police recovered a majority of arms looted by KCP.
- Armed militants infiltrated a police outpost in Thoubal.
- Search operations resulted in the detention of a KCP cadre.
- Significant quantities of ammunition and military gear were found.
- Ongoing efforts to retrieve remaining stolen weapons are in progress.
Imphal, Feb 10 (NationPress) Following the theft of various arms and a substantial stockpile of ammunition by armed members of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) from a police outpost in Thoubal district on February 8, law enforcement has successfully retrieved most of the stolen items and made an arrest, according to official reports on Sunday.
A representative from the police stated that on the night of the incident, approximately 30 armed militants from the suspected KCP, wielding advanced weaponry, infiltrated the security perimeter at the Kakmayai police outpost and overpowered the stationed officers.
The attackers arrived in three vehicles, seizing at least six SLRs, three AK rifles, and a significant amount of ammunition from the facility.
In response, security forces promptly commenced search operations and detained a KCP member, identified as Hijam Ningthem Singh (49).
As the investigation progressed and extensive searches were conducted at various sites, the Manipur Police recovered three AK rifles and five SLRs on Sunday afternoon from the Ngamukhong foothill area, which represented a part of the nine looted firearms.
Additionally, in subsequent operations, security teams executed extensive combing missions in Ningel, Malom, Toubul, and Langathel.
During these efforts, a KCP hideout was uncovered in the Langathel Chingkhong area, leading to the recovery of a significant quantity of ammunition and incriminating materials, including 48 live Insas and AK rounds, 25 empty assorted ammunition cases, grenades, and a substantial assortment of ammunition.
The police also retrieved a binocular, a Gypsy vehicle, five bullet-proof vests, three armor helmets, and various military clothing and additional miscellaneous items.
Numerous official and unofficial sources indicate that during the ethnic unrest that erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023, over 6,000 sophisticated firearms and large quantities of ammunition were pilfered from police stations and outposts by mobs, militants, and attackers.
Despite this, a considerable number of the stolen weapons and ammunition have been reclaimed thus far, with ongoing searches by both Central and state security forces to recover the remaining items.
These weapons have significantly worsened the violence in Manipur, with both village defense groups and militants in the valley and hilly regions armed with advanced weaponry.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who tendered his resignation on Sunday, as well as the Home Department and numerous political figures, have repeatedly implored the looters to return the stolen arms and ammunition to the police, warning that legal action will be pursued against those who do not.
