Have Security Forces Achieved Major Success in Arms Recovery?

Imphal, July 4 (NationPress) In a significant achievement over a span of three weeks, the security forces have successfully recovered 203 firearms, predominantly advanced, along with approximately 160 diverse types of ammunition from the turbulent hilly regions of Manipur, according to officials on Friday.

A senior police representative disclosed that following specific intelligence regarding the location of a substantial cache of arms, ammunition, and other military materials hidden in various sites, coordinated operations were initiated simultaneously across multiple locations in four districts of the hilly region.

Joint teams consisting of Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) conducted intensive operations across multiple sites in the interior and suspected areas of Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, Chandel, and Churachandpur districts from Thursday through Friday. These efforts culminated in the recovery of 203 firearms and about 160 different types of ammunition, explosives, and additional military supplies.

The retrieved arms consist of 21 INSAS rifles, 11 AK series rifles, 26 Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), two sniper rifles, three carbines, 17 PT - 303 rifles, two 5 mm Mor, two MA Assault rifles, three M 79 Grenade Launchers, one rifle with scope, 18 single-shot breech-loaded rifles, 11 single-barrel bolt-action rifles, six pistols, one .22 rifle, two Lathode, 25 single bore, three country-made pistols, four muzzle-loaded rifles, six single bore, 38 Pompi, and one Lathode.

The ammunition and explosives include 29 - 5.56 mm, 80 - 7.62 mm, 30 IEDs, 10 grenades, nine Pompi shells, and two Lathode grenades.

The official stated that these intelligence-driven coordinated operations in the hilly districts signify a major accomplishment for the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, Army, and Central Security Forces in their persistent endeavors to restore normalcy, uphold public order, and guarantee the safety and security of citizens and their properties.

The Manipur Police reiterated its dedication to promoting a peaceful and secure Manipur, as conveyed to the media.

A communiqué from the Director General of Police (DGP) urged the community to collaborate with the police and security forces and to report any suspicious activities or information related to illegal arms to the nearest police station or the Central Control Room.

Senior police officials are maintaining close coordination with all security stakeholders to ensure that such operations continue consistently and deliberately, aiming to restore normalcy, uphold public order, and protect the lives and property of all citizens.

The recent recovery of significant arms and ammunition occurred three weeks after a similar operation on June 13-14, where security forces seized 328 arms and around 9,300 various types of ammunition from the five Imphal valley districts: Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching.

Since the implementation of President's Rule in Manipur on February 13, following the resignation of N Biren Singh from the Chief Minister’s position, the security forces have achieved two major milestones in the recovery of arms and ammunition within three weeks.

As of March 6, approximately 1,000 looted and unlawfully held weapons, including many advanced arms and a vast cache of ammunition, have been returned to the security forces since Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla made the appeal for the first time on February 20.