Imphal, India – In a joint operation, security forces in Manipur have made significant strides in recovering looted and illegally held arms and ammunition, signaling their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state. According to official sources, the forces recovered 25 weapons, including INSAS rifles, Carbines, Single Barrel guns, Single Barrel Bolt rifles, pump action shotguns, one double barrel rifle, pistols, mortars, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), grenades, and war-like stores from six districts – Jiribam, Tengnoupal, Kakching, Ukhrul, Imphal East, and Imphal West.
The recovery was made possible through a series of joint operations conducted by the Army, Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, CRPF, BSF, and ITBP. The forces have been intensifying their efforts following the expiry of the 15-day deadline to surrender looted and illegally held arms and ammunition on March 6. “Security forces have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security in Manipur,” said Defence Spokesman Lt. Col. Amit Shukla.
Following an appeal made by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, more than 1,020 arms and a huge cache of ammunition have been surrendered by various organizations and individuals in five valley districts, five hill districts, and mixed-populated Jiribam districts since February 20. Reports suggest that over 6,000 different types of sophisticated arms and lakhs of pieces of different types of ammunition were looted from police stations and outposts during the ethnic riots between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which began on May 3, 2023.
Two militants were arrested in Kakching and Imphal West districts, and some arms and ammunition were recovered from them. Additionally, Farida Begum (37) was apprehended from Phougakchao Awang Leikai near Ibudhou Thangjing Temple along National Highway-2. A total of 127 grams of heroin powder were recovered from her possession, concealed in 10 soap cases. The security forces have vowed to continue their operations to recover the remaining looted and illegally held arms and ammunition. As the state works to restore peace and stability, these efforts are a positive step towards a safer and more secure future for its citizens.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/manipur-looted-weapons-issue-army-security-forces-recover-insas-rifles-guns-pistols-mortars-ieds
Category : North-East
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Publish Date: 2025-03-09 11:22:00
