In a series of coordinated operations across multiple districts of Manipur, the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and local security forces have arrested eight cadres and seized 25 weapons, ammunition, and warlike stores, officials confirmed on Monday.
The operations were carried out in the districts of Kakching, Thoubal, Tengnoupal, Bishnupur, Imphal East, and Chandel.
On February 2, acting on intelligence inputs, Assam Rifles conducted a search operation in the Laiching-Duthang Junction area of Chandel district. This operation resulted in the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, a country-made Pt 303 rifle, a 9mm pistol, a 12 Bore rifle, several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), grenades, ammunition, and other warlike stores.
The following day, February 3, a joint operation involving the Indian Army, CRPF, and Manipur Police in Bishnupur district led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two 9mm submachine guns, two pistols, a 2-inch mortar, grenades, two IEDs, and additional ammunition from Saiton Khunao and surrounding villages.
On February 4, during an Area Domination Patrol (ADP) in the Tengnoupal district’s forested region, Assam Rifles personnel spotted three suspicious individuals who fled when approached. A subsequent search uncovered a concealed cache containing improvised projectile launchers (Pompie) of various calibres and locally made grenades.
Another joint operation on February 6, involving the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, BSF, and Manipur Police in the Nongyai Hill Range of Kakching district, resulted in the recovery of a 7.62mm Self Loading Rifle (SLR), a Single Barrel Gun, two IEDs, grenades, ammunition, and other warlike stores.
In Chandel district, a search operation between Geljang and Tyang by Assam Rifles led to the recovery of one 7.62mm assault rifle, ammunition, and additional warlike stores.
On February 7, a search operation based on intelligence in Uyok, Bishnupur district, resulted in the recovery of a .303 rifle, three single bore barrel guns (SBBL), a .22 pistol, a 9mm pistol, ammunition, grenades, and other warlike stores by Assam Rifles and Manipur Police.
February 8 saw a series of intelligence-based operations, leading to the arrest of eight cadres and the recovery of arms and ammunition. In Thoubal district, a search operation in the Kakmayi area led to the apprehension of a cadre from the Kangleipak Communist Party (Kangleipak). Meanwhile, in Imphal East, a joint operation in the Tellou area resulted in the apprehension of seven cadres from the Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front (MNRF), along with the recovery of one AK-47, two INSAS rifles, three SLRs, ammunition, and warlike stores.
All recovered weapons and items have been handed over to the Manipur Police for further investigation.
These operations underscore the coordinated efforts of the Indian Army and security forces to maintain regional security and ensure public safety.
