Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: Security forces have recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition and military-grade equipment during a major counter-insurgency operation in Manipur‘s Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district, following an exchange of fire with suspected militants.
According to the Manipur Police morning bulletin, the operation was launched based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the movement and presence of armed insurgents in the area. The joint mission involved personnel from the Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Rapid Action Force (RAF), Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), and the Indian Army.
The three-day operation was carried out across several locations, including Leilon Vaiphei, Leilon Munlui, Molhoi, P. Moulding, Leilon Khunou and adjoining areas. During the search operation, security forces reportedly came under fire from suspected militants, triggering an exchange of gunfire. The armed individuals subsequently fled into the surrounding hilly terrain, abandoning a significant quantity of weapons and other war-like stores.
Officials said the combing operations, which concluded on Monday, led to the recovery of a substantial arsenal. The seized weapons included 17 single- and double-barrel guns, two AK-47 assault rifles, one M4 Carbine, two Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), one SKS rifle, one improvised .303 sniper rifle and 11 Single Barrel Loading (SBL) rifles.
Security personnel also recovered assorted ammunition, communication equipment, and other military-grade supplies from the operation area.
The recovered items have been handed over to the concerned police station for further legal action. Investigators are now working to identify the militant groups linked to the seized weapons and determine the origin of the recovered equipment.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb insurgent activities and restore stability in vulnerable areas of the state.