Imphal: Security forces recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition, explosives and other military-related equipment during anti-insurgency search operations at multiple locations in Imphal West and Imphal East districts on Sunday.
In the first operation, a joint team of Imphal West Commando, Patsoi Police Station, and a column of 33 Assam Rifles conducted a search at Khoirum Sabal under Patsoi Police Station.
The operation led to the recovery of eight single-barrel breech-loading (SBBL) guns, a 9mm pistol with magazine and an anti-riot gun. Security personnel also recovered three No. 36 HE grenades without detonators, one white phosphorus (WP) grenade and six empty magazines used with different weapons, including SLR, INSAS and .303 rifles.
The cache further included 86 rounds of assorted ammunition, six anti-riot shells, one vehicular communication set and two handheld communication sets.
In a separate search operation at the foothills of Potshangbam Khunou under Heingang Police Station in Imphal East, Manipur Police recovered a .32 pistol with magazine, a locally manufactured barrel gun and 20 No. 36 hand grenades.
Another major recovery was reported from Khema Reserved Forest near the Office of the Forest Beat Officer at Napet Palli in Imphal East.
According to officials, security personnel recovered four 9mm pistols with magazines, two single-barrel guns and a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) weighing around 4.6 kg from the area.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of 14 grenades, 162 live rounds of ammunition of different calibres, 26 empty ammunition cases and two magazines.
Among the other items seized were two stun shells, a rubber bullet and military-style equipment, including a BP iron plate, BP jacket cover, ammunition charger, communication equipment and other miscellaneous materials.
The recoveries were made as security forces continued search and area-domination operations at suspected insurgent hideouts across the two Imphal districts.