Security Forces Launch Major Operation Across Four Districts
Security teams from Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, the Indian Army, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) carried out a large-scale operation from Thursday midnight to Friday morning. They focused on Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, Chandel, and Churachandpur districts after receiving specific intelligence about armed hideouts.
Weapons Seized During the Operation
Over 200 weapons and war-like materials were discovered. The haul included:
- 21 INSAS rifles
- 11 AK-series rifles
- 26 Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs)
- 2 sniper rifles
- 3 carbines
- 17 .303 rifles
- 2 MA assault rifles
- 3 M-79 grenade launchers
- 11 single-barrel bolt-action rifles
- 9 pistols
- 18 single-shot breech-loaded rifles
- 38 ‘Pumpis’ (improvised light arms)
IEDs and Ammunition Found
The teams also recovered:
- 109 rounds of ammunition
- 30 improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
- 10 grenades
- 9 Pupil shells (light explosive rounds)
- 2 lathode-type grenades
These items were hidden in remote areas across the hill districts.
Why the Operation Was Launched
Officials said the crackdown was triggered by tips on concealed weapons caches, especially following the looting of arms during ethnic riots. In those riots, more than 6,020 sophisticated weapons were stolen from police stations and outposts.
Important Takeaways
Recovering these arms helps strengthen peace efforts and rebuild trust in the region’s law enforcement.
The operation shows how intelligence-driven raids can be effective in recovering illegal arms.
The seized cache includes a mix of modern rifles, grenades, IEDs, and locally made weapons, reflecting the scale of the security challenges.