Imphal: Security forces recovered a large cache of arms, explosives and contraband drugs during anti-insurgency operations carried out over the past 48 hours in two vulnerable areas of Manipur’s Churachandpur district, officials said on Friday.
The joint operations, conducted by Assam Rifles and Manipur Police, were carried out in Saikul and Khokon villages, during which a temporary militant camp was also busted and destroyed.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the joint security team launched the first operation in the Saikul village area under Churachandpur police station. Although no arrests were made, security personnel recovered a significant quantity of arms and explosives from the area.
The seized items included one automatic rifle with an empty magazine, one locally made bolt-action rifle, one .22 pistol with magazine, one locally made revolver with six rounds, three improvised explosive devices (IEDs), five 7.62 mm SLR live rounds and a pair of boots.
In a separate operation, the joint forces arrested an alleged drug smuggler along the Sangaikot–Sugnu Road near Khokon village under Churachandpur police station. The accused was identified as Letminthang Haokip (45), a resident of Kanan Veng Tuibong in Churachandpur district.
From his possession, security forces seized 37 plastic containers containing contraband opium weighing a total of 36.054 kg, along with a four-wheeler and a mobile phone with a SIM card.
Officials said further investigation is underway to ascertain possible links to insurgent groups and narcotics networks operating in the region.