Security forces recover arms, explosives in twin operations across Manipur

Security forces recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition, explosives and military equipment during two separate search operations carried out in Imphal West and Jiribam districts of Manipur on July 15, officials said.

The recoveries were made as part of ongoing search and area domination operations aimed at tracing illegally held weapons and preventing the movement of arms in violence-affected parts of the state.

In the first operation, conducted at Ishok Mamang Leikai near Loktak Lake under Wangoi Police Station in Imphal West district, security personnel seized four modified bolt-action single-barrel rifles, one modified .303 rifle with a magazine, one M2 carbine rifle fitted with a telescopic sight and magazine, one 9 mm pistol with a magazine, and 26 live rounds of ammunition of different calibres.

In another operation carried out in the forested area near Mongbung village in Jiribam district, security forces recovered a larger cache that included one Pumpi gun, two country-made pistols, two .36 hand grenades, four country-made 12-bore single-barrel breech-loading (SBBL) guns and 331 live rounds of ammunition of various calibres.

The team also recovered three 51 mm mortar shells, 17 magazines compatible with different types of firearms, and several military items, including bulletproof jacket covers, jungle shoes and camouflage trousers.