How Did Security Forces Capture 29 Militants and Seize Arms in Manipur?

Synopsis
In a remarkable operation, security forces in Manipur apprehended 29 militants linked to various banned groups while seizing an impressive cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives. The coordinated effort underscores the commitment to restoring peace amidst ongoing ethnic tensions in the region.
Key Takeaways
- 29 militants apprehended in Manipur.
- Seizure of 28 weapons and large amounts of ammunition.
- Operations involved multiple security forces.
- Continued focus on recovery of stolen vehicles.
- Efforts aimed at restoring peace amidst ethnic violence.
Imphal, May 20 (NationPress) In a coordinated effort, the Army, along with various forces including the police, successfully apprehended 29 militants from multiple banned organizations and confiscated 28 weapons, along with substantial amounts of ammunition and explosives across several districts in Manipur, officials reported on Tuesday.
A representative from the Defence stated that the Army, Assam Rifles, and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) -- comprising CRPF, BSF, ITBP -- collaborated in a series of operations over recent days, leading to the recovery of 28 weapons, which included advanced arms, several improvised explosive devices (IEDs), grenades, a large cache of ammunition, and other military supplies.
These weapons were retrieved from seven districts in Manipur: Churachandpur, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching, Senapati, Imphal East, and Imphal West, covering both valley and hilly terrains.
According to the spokesperson, during the operations based on intelligence, 29 hardcore members of various extremist organizations, including the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), were detained from both hill and valley regions.
The confiscated arms include a self-loading rifle, a single-barrel rifle, improvised mortars (Pompi), four bolt-action single-barrel rifles, a Modified Carbine Machine Gun, SMC Carbine Machine Guns, a point 22 rifle, and various pistols.
The captured militants and the seized arms and ammunition have been turned over to the Manipur Police.
These cooperative actions by the security forces underscore their steadfast dedication to preserving peace and security in Manipur, the spokesperson remarked.
In a related development, the Manipur Police announced the arrest of five militants, including a female cadre from different groups, in the Imphal West district within the last 24 hours.
During this period, police have also recovered two additional stolen vehicles as part of a special initiative aimed at retrieving stolen or snatched vehicles from miscreants.
In the wake of the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023, numerous incidents of vehicle thefts have been reported, with over 167 stolen cars and 35 two-wheelers recovered since April 16 across the state.
The Manipur Police initiated a special drive on April 16 to recover stolen vehicles. The combined security forces continue to conduct search operations and maintain a presence in vulnerable hill and valley district areas.