Security forces recover 25 weapons, apprehend 8 cadres in joint operations across Manipur

February 10, 2025

Imphal: In a series of coordinated operations involving the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, and other security forces, eight militants were apprehended, and 25 weapons along with ammunition and warlike materials were seized across various districts in Manipur, officials reported on Monday.

According to a statement, operations took place in the districts of Kakching, Thoubal, Tengnoupal, Bishnupur, Imphal East, and Chandel. Following intelligence reports, Assam Rifles conducted a search in the Laiching-Duthang Junction area of Chandel on February 2, leading to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, a country-made Pt 303 rifle, a 9mm pistol, a 12 Bore rifle, several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), grenades, ammunition, and other military supplies.

On February 3, the Indian Army, in collaboration with the CRPF and Manipur Police, recovered one AK-47 rifle, two 9mm submachine guns, two pistols, a 2-inch mortar, grenades, two IEDs, and ammunition from Saiton Khunao and surrounding villages in Bishnupur district.

The following day, during an Area Domination Patrol (ADP) in Tengnoupal district, Assam Rifles personnel encountered three suspicious individuals who fled upon being spotted. A subsequent search uncovered a hidden cache containing improvised projectile launchers and locally made grenades.

On February 6, a joint operation involving the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, BSF, and Manipur Police in the Nongyai Hill Range of Kakching district resulted in the recovery of a 7.62 mm Self Loading Rifle (SLR), a Single Barrel Gun, two IEDs, grenades, ammunition, and other military supplies.

In Chandel district, a search operation conducted by Assam Rifles between Geljang and Tyang led to the seizure of a 7.62 mm assault rifle, ammunition, and additional military materials.

On February 7, based on intelligence, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police conducted a search in Uyok, Bishnupur district, resulting in the recovery of a .303 rifle, three single bore barrel guns (SBBL), a .22 pistol, a 9mm pistol, ammunition, grenades, and other military supplies.

A series of intelligence-driven operations on February 8 culminated in the apprehension of eight militants and the recovery of arms and ammunition. In Thoubal district, a search in the Kakmayi area led to the arrest of a cadre from the Kangleipak Communist Party (Kangleipak). In Imphal East, a joint operation in the Tellou area resulted in the apprehension of seven cadres from the Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front (MNRF), along with the recovery of one AK-47, two INSAS rifles, three self-loading rifles (SLR), ammunition, and other military materials.

All seized weapons and items were subsequently handed over to Manipur Police. These operations underscore the collaborative efforts of the Indian Army and security forces to maintain regional security and safety.