Manipur Security Forces Recover Weapons and Narcotics in Multiple Operations

Manipur Police, in a coordinated effort with security forces, have successfully recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition from various locations across the state, while also arresting several individuals involved in criminal activities, according to a press release issued by the police on Friday evening.

The operations focused on vulnerable and high-risk areas within the hill and valley districts of Manipur. Notably, a major haul of weaponry was uncovered during a series of search and area domination exercises in Imphal East district, specifically at Keirao Khunou. The recovered items include: one MA4 assault rifle, one 12-bore single-barrel gun, one 9mm pistol, one .32 pistol, five hand grenades, five arming rings, two detonators, 30 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, two 12-bore rounds, three 9mm rounds, two .32mm rounds, an internet satellite antenna, an internet satellite router, and approximately 20 meters of FTP cables.

In a separate operation on Friday, security forces conducted a search at Bamdiar Awang Leikai in Bishnupur district, recovering an array of firearms and materials associated with militant activities. The seized items included a Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) with a magazine, two .303 rifles, one pump-action gun, three sleeping bags, 40 KCP (PWG) badges, various chargers, a BP cover, a cap, live ammunition, and two gunny sacks.

On Thursday, security forces arrested four armed miscreants, including one member of the Kuki National Front (KNF), from Laijang village in Churachandpur district. The individuals, who had been terrorizing local villagers by brandishing weapons, were identified as KNF cadre Thangsiam Haokip (27), Kamlian (34), Malsom (20), and Jaipu Doujaithang (42). In their possession, the authorities recovered an MA-1 Mk I assault rifle, an air gun, 40 live rounds, 22 fired cartridges, and a vehicle without registration.

Further anti-narcotics operations were also carried out by the Manipur Police. In the hill range of Molham village, under the jurisdiction of Kasom Khullen Police Station in Kamjong district, around 10 acres of poppy plantations were destroyed. Two individuals, Pamchuingam Rimai (30) and Lifeson Lanjha (27), both from Leikoiching village, were arrested in connection with the cultivation, and a knife and side bag were seized.

In another drug-related bust, the police recovered 150 soap cases of brown sugar, totaling 5.87 kg, from the residence of N Sohrii (40) in Chiphaodai village, near Khabung Karong in Senapati district. Four individuals were arrested in connection with the illegal drugs, and an FIR has been registered for further investigation.

These operations highlight the ongoing efforts by Manipur's security forces to combat armed violence and drug trafficking in the region, as they continue to address multiple challenges to public safety and security.