Imphal: Joint security forces have recovered a huge cache of arms, explosives and other war-like stores during two intelligence-based operations in Manipur‘s Bishnupur and Jiribam districts, dealing a major blow to insurgent networks operating in the state.
The coordinated operations were carried out by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police in vulnerable areas identified through specific intelligence inputs.
The first operation was launched on Monday morning in the eastern Phubala Patton area under Moirang Police Station in Bishnupur district after security agencies received information about concealed weapons near the fringes of Loktak Lake.
During the nearly three-hour search, the joint team dismantled a temporary militant camp hidden within the floating biomass, locally known as phumdi. The forces recovered an RPG launcher, two RPG grenades, two hand grenades, two Lathode bombs, an improvised mortar shell, an artillery shell, .32 pistols, a large quantity of mixed-calibre ammunition, detonators, bulletproof helmets and radio communication sets.
In another intelligence-led operation, security personnel searched a forested area in Champanagar under Jiribam Police Station in Jiribam district. The operation led to the recovery of six Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), an AK rifle, several magazines and 625 rounds of assorted live ammunition.
According to Manipur Police, the twin recoveries have significantly disrupted insurgent logistics and weapon supply networks in the valley and adjoining fringe areas.
Officials said security forces have intensified area domination and sanitisation operations across vulnerable locations to trace additional illegal arms caches, dismantle militant infrastructure and strengthen law and order in the state.