203 firearms, including rifles, explosives seized in major crackdown in Manipur

In a major crackdown on illegal arms circulation, joint security forces recovered a massive cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives during coordinated overnight operations in Manipur's hill districts.

The intelligence-led operations were conducted between midnight of July 3 and the morning of July 4 across Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, Chandel and Churachandpur districts.

According to a statement issued by the Office of the Director General of Police, Manipur, the operations were carried out jointly by Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, the Indian Army, and other Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The raids followed specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of warlike materials in interior forested locations.

Security forces recovered 203 firearms of various calibres and a significant quantity of ammunition and explosives. Among the weapons seized were 21 INSAS rifles, 11 AK-series rifles, 26 self-loading rifles (SLRs), 2 sniper rifles, 3 carbines, 17 .303 rifles, 2 mortars, 3 M79 grenade launchers, and 31 single-bore guns. The cache also included 38 pump-action guns, 4 muzzle-loaded rifles, and a number of locally made pistols and rifles.

In addition to the firearms, forces also seized 29 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, 80 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, 30 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 10 hand grenades, 9 Pompi shells, and 2 lathode grenades.

Police sources said the arms were likely stockpiled by various armed groups operating in the hill regions and could have been used to destabilize the area further. The recovery, they added, dealt a significant blow to the operational capacity of militant outfits that continue to pose a threat to peace in Manipur.

The Director General of Police’s office praised the success of the joint operation, highlighting the growing synergy between state and central security forces. The recovery also reflects improved intelligence gathering and coordinated execution among the security agencies deployed in the conflict-affected state.

Officials said such operations would continue in a sustained manner, especially in view of lingering ethnic tensions and efforts to ensure the safe return and rehabilitation of displaced residents.

Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or information related to illegal arms to the nearest police station or the Central Control Room.

Manipur Police reiterated its commitment to public safety, maintaining law and order, and rebuilding community trust in the wake of over a year of ethnic unrest that has affected thousands across the state.

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