- विज्ञापन -
Imphal: In a series of joint operations across six districts of Manipur, the Army and other security forces have recovered a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), grenades, and other war-like materials. The operations took place in both mountainous areas and valleys, with items recovered from Jiribam, Tengnoupal, Kakching, Ukhrul, Imphal East, and Imphal West districts.
According to Defence spokesperson Lt. Col. Amit Shukla, 25 firearms, including INSAS rifles, carbines, shotguns, pistols, mortars, IEDs, and grenades, were seized. Additionally, several illegal bunkers were destroyed in Kangpokpi district. The Army, working in coordination with Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, CRPF, BSF, and ITBP, has intensified operations following the expiration of the March 6 deadline for the surrender of looted and illegal arms.
These coordinated efforts underscore the security forces’ commitment to restoring peace in Manipur. Lt. Col. Shukla confirmed that operations would continue until all looted and illegally held weapons are recovered.
In response to an appeal from Manipur’s Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, over 1,020 weapons and vast quantities of ammunition have been surrendered by various groups and individuals across the state’s five valley districts, five hill districts, and the mixed-populated Jiribam district since February 20.
During the ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023, more than 6,000 weapons and large amounts of ammunition were looted from police stations and outposts by militants and mobs from both communities.
Additionally, two militants were arrested in Kakching and Imphal West districts, with arms and ammunition recovered from their possession. One individual, Farida Begum (37), was apprehended near Ibudhou Thangjing Temple along National Highway-2 in Phougakchao Awang Leikai. Police recovered 127 grams of heroin powder, stored in 10 soap cases, from her possession.
