Security forces recovered a substantial cache of arms, ammunition and protective equipment during two separate search and cordon operations conducted in Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts of Manipur on Monday.
In the first operation, based on reliable intelligence corroborated by 4 Mahar (Borders), a joint team of the CDO/Imphal East and 28 Assam Rifles conducted a search operation at the foothills of Sinam Kom Village under Sagolmang Police Station in Imphal East.
The team recovered one 7.62 mm SLR rifle with magazine, one 5.56 mm INSAS rifle with two magazines and one 9 mm pistol with magazine. The recovery also included one Pompi gun, one country-made lethal gun and two single-barrel guns.
Security forces further recovered three No. 36 hand grenades, one MG2 mortar shell and 45 rounds of assorted live ammunition. In addition, four BP plates, eight BP jackets and two helmets were recovered from the area.
In a separate operation at J. Songtun Village in Kangpokpi district, a combined team of Manipur Police, CRPF, RAF and CoBRA conducted a cordon and search operation and recovered a large quantity of firearms and ammunition.
The seized items included two country-made 12-bore guns and 14 12-bore guns bearing various manufacturer, serial number and licence markings. The team also recovered 1,225 rounds of 12-bore ammunition, six VHF/wireless sets with three chargers, one Golden Antler telescope, 18 BP vests and one pouch.
According to the information available, during the withdrawal of the security forces, a group of villagers, mainly women, blocked the road with stones and demanded the return of the unverified firearms and ammunition. Security forces subsequently dispersed the gathering and brought the situation under control.
The recoveries come amid continuing security operations aimed at detecting and removing illegal or unverified arms and ammunition in vulnerable areas of Manipur.
