Manipur crackdown: Over 200 weapons, grenade launchers recovered; operations across districts | India News

NEW DELHI: Manipur police have recovered over 200 weapons during a massive search operation carried out across the state’s hill districts on the night of July 3 and early morning of July 4. The raids are part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal arms and restore peace in the region.The police recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in search operations as law and order remains stable in the state.“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,” ADGP Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo told PTI.Lhatoo added that the operations led to the recovery of a significant quantity of arms, ammunition, explosives, and other war-like materials.In total, 203 weapons were seized, including 21 INSAS rifles, 11 AK rifles, 26 self-loading rifles (SLRs), 2 sniper rifles, 2 MA assault rifles, 3 carbines, 11 single-barrel bolt action, 9 pistols, 3 M79 grenade launchers, 18 single-shot breech loaded rifle and 17 .303 rifles. The officer said the forces also recovered 109 rounds of various types of ammunition, 30 IEDs, 10 grenades, nine Pumpi shells, and two lathode grenades.These operations are part of a broader crackdown launched by the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, Army and Central Armed Police Forces, the police officer said.“The Manipur Police reiterates its commitment to fostering a peaceful and secure Manipur. The public is urged to cooperate with the police and security forces, and to promptly report any suspicious activity or information related to illegal arms to the nearest police station or the Central Control Room,” he said.Earlier, the police also discovered at least 11 firearms and other war-like stores in the Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts. Additionally, one was arrested in Imphal for possession of an illegal handgun.“Security forces continue to conduct search operations and area domination in the fringe and vulnerable areas across districts,” the police said in a post on X, earlier in the day.Since ethnic violence broke out in the state in May 2023, Manipur has witnessed at least 260 deaths and is currently under President’s rule. The strife between the Meitei and Kuki communities also rendered thousands of people homeless, forcing them to stay in relief camps.