Maghalaya police on Wednesday morning recovered a huge cache of arms from Dorengkigre village under Samanda block in East Garo Hills.
The arms include two numbers of 2 inch mortars, two RPG with covers, one mortar shell, one RPG launcher, one mortar shell, one AK rifle, one HK 5.56 mm assault rifle, one land mine detonator cap, 12 pistol magazines, 153 numbers of 5.56 mm ammunition, 55 remote bomb circuit, 94 numbers of 7.62 mm ammunition, 11 bomb remote control, one walkie talkie and 13 electronic detonators.
Police suspect the recovered AK rifle might have been taken away in an ambush as the model is similar to the ones used by the police. However, it is yet to be confirmed in which ambush the AK rifle was snatched away.
It is for the first time that 2 inch mortars have been recovered by the police.
Talking to Northeast Now East Garo Hills SP Ringrang TG Momin said, “Before this, we have not recovered 2 inch mortars as such. This is for the first time we have recovered mortars. Usually we recovered RPG.”
Police, in fact, are expecting more recovery of arms in the area. Momin said, “We are expecting more hidden arms in the area. We are getting inputs from surrendered militants and sources so we are expecting more arms recovery. Let’s see.”
Dorengkigre village is situated 31 km from Samanda and 16 km from district headquarter Williamnagar.