Security forces in Manipur have recovered 203 arms and 160 types of ammunition in a major joint operation across four hill districts. The massive cache includes rifles, grenades, and IEDs, marking a significant step in restoring peace and curbing illegal arms in the conflict-hit state.
In a significant breakthrough for law enforcement and national security in Manipur, joint security forces have successfully recovered 203 firearms and around 160 different types of ammunition in a meticulously coordinated operation carried out across four volatile hill districts of the state. Officials confirmed on Friday that this operation marks a critical step toward restoring peace and curbing the proliferation of illegal arms in the region, which has been grappling with unrest and violence.
A senior security official stated that the massive recovery was the result of intelligence-led joint operations conducted by multiple security agencies, including the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Acting on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of a large cache of arms and warlike materials, these forces launched simultaneous operations on Thursday that continued until Friday across Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, Chandel, and Churachandpur districts.
The recovery is both substantial and varied, showcasing the depth of the threat and the success of the intelligence. Among the 203 recovered firearms were:
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21 INSAS rifles
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11 AK series rifles
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26 Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs)
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Two sniper rifles
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Three carbines
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17 PT-303 rifles
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Two 5 mm Mor rifles
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Two MA assault rifles
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Three M79 grenade launchers
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One scoped rifle
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18 single-shot breech-loaded rifles
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11 single-barrel bolt-action rifles
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Six pistols
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One .22 rifle
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Two lathode guns
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25 single-bore rifles
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Three country-made pistols
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Four muzzle-loaded rifles
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Six additional single-bore weapons
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38 Pompi guns
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One more lathode launcher
The cache of ammunition and explosives was equally alarming. It included:
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29 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition
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80 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition
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30 improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
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10 hand grenades
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Nine Pompi shells
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Two lathode grenades
Officials emphasized that this operation represents a major accomplishment for security forces working to counter the rise of illegal arms trafficking and militia activity in Manipur. The seizures come just three weeks after a previous joint operation led to the recovery of 328 firearms and over 9,300 rounds of various ammunition on June 13–14.
“The recovery of this massive cache underscores the success of the intelligence-based strategy and the dedication of our personnel. It is a substantial stride toward restoring normalcy, maintaining public order, and ensuring the safety of civilians,” the senior official stated.
The operations also highlight the importance of inter-agency coordination in tackling insurgency and organized crime in troubled areas. Security forces are continuing to maintain a high level of vigilance in the state and have appealed to the public for cooperation in reporting any suspicious activities or information related to illegal arms.
The Manipur Police issued a formal statement reaffirming its commitment to peace and stability in the state. “These coordinated operations mark a vital development in our fight against illegal arms. We request the public to remain vigilant and to share any relevant information with the nearest police station or the Central Control Room,” said a police spokesperson.
Senior officers remain engaged in planning further operations, aiming to conduct sustained crackdowns on illegal arms networks in the state’s conflict-prone zones.
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This recent seizure adds to growing evidence that illegal arms trafficking remains a serious challenge in Manipur, a state that has seen repeated outbreaks of ethnic conflict and militancy. However, the consistent and effective responses by security forces are proving instrumental in re-establishing the rule of law.
As operations continue, authorities remain hopeful that increased public cooperation and relentless action against armed groups will gradually bring lasting peace to Manipur’s troubled hills.
