203 weapons, explosives recovered in Manipur hills

The recovered weapons, among others, include 21 INSAS rifles, 11 AK series rifles, 25 SLRs, two sniper rifles, three carbines, and two grenade launchers. The security forces also recovered 30 improvised explosive devices (IED), 10 grenades, 29 numbers of 5.56 rounds, and 80 rounds of 7.62 rounds.

“Acting on specific intelligence regarding the presence of a large cache of arms, ammunition, and other warlike materials concealed in various locations, coordinated operations were launched simultaneously at multiple sites in the interior and suspected areas of Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, Chandel, and Churachandpur districts by joint teams comprising of Manipur Police, Assam Rifles/Army and CAPFs,” said Manipur’s ADGP, Lhari Dorji Lathoo.

“The Manipur Police reiterates its commitment to fostering a peaceful and secure Manipur,” he added.

The incident comes barely a month after the biggest weapons recovery ever made by the security forces since violence erupted in the state in May 2023.

A total of 328 weapons and 8,665 assorted ammunition were recovered during the said operations.

Miscreants looted over 6,000 weapons and over one lakh ammunition were looted from state forces’ armouries since ethnic violence erupted in the state on May 3, 2023.

To recover the looted weapons, the state government, in coordination with other security agencies, have been conducting search operations.

In addition, the state also asked the public to surrender looted and illegally held weapons to the nearest police station or security camps, assuring no punitive action against such voluntary surrender.