In a drive to rein in illegal arms in trouble torn Manipur, security forces and state police launched a series of coordinated operations across Churachandpur and Thoubal districts on Wednesday, leading to the recovery of a significant stockpile of weapons, explosives, and communication gear.
The crackdown is part of an intensified campaign to dismantle armed networks believed to be fuelling ethnic tensions and sporadic violence that have gripped the northeastern state for over a year.
Security agencies say the seizures could deal a major blow to militant groups operating in the hills and valley regions.
In Churachandpur district, troops acting on intelligence inputs combed through the dense forested Dampi Ridge area near Songphel under the jurisdiction of Churachandpur Police Station.
The operation led to the recovery of a cache of weapons, including 14 single-barrel rifles, a pistol with a magazine, a locally made Pompi firearm, and nine improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Ammunition recovered included eight Pompi rounds, 23 cartridges of 12 bore, 10 live .303 calibre rounds, one 9mm round, and three blank .303 cartridges.
Troops also seized tactical gear such as three helmets and two Boafeng radio sets, suggesting the area may have been used as a hideout or a staging ground by armed groups.
In a separate raid at Buallian village, also under Churachandpur Police Station, the police unearthed three country-made single-barrel rifles and a pistol.
Meanwhile, security personnel patrolling Tollen village and its adjoining zones recovered another set of firearms, including three single-barrel rifles, a Pompi gun, and four 12-bore cartridges. Additional recoveries included four Pompi bullets, one live 7.62mm round, two empty 5.56mm cases, and four tear smoke munitions.
In Thoubal district, police launched an operation at Langathel Hangoipat under Khongjom Police Station. There, four Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs) and eight corresponding magazines were recovered, pointing to the possible movement of military-grade weapons in civilian areas.
The seizures come amid growing concerns about the proliferation of illegal arms in Manipur following last year’s ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which left over 200 people dead and displaced thousands.