Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal

Imphal, Jul 26: In a major boost to ongoing security efforts in violence-hit Manipur, a joint operation by multiple agencies led to the recovery of 90 firearms and over 700 rounds of ammunition across five districts of the Imphal Valley on Saturday.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, teams from Manipur Police, Army, Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF, and ITBP launched coordinated search operations in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts in the early hours of the day.

The seized arsenal includes:

• 5 INSAS rifles
• 4 SLRs
• 3 AK-series rifles
• 7 .303 rifles
• 20 pistols
• 4 carbines
• 8 other rifles
• 20 SBBL and bore action guns
• 3 anti-riot guns
• Various other small arms

The ammunition cache comprised 21 grenades, explosives, mortar shells, IEDs, tube launchers, and magazines, along with wireless communication devices.
This operation marks the fourth major seizure in just six weeks, signaling an intensified crackdown on illegal arms in the conflict-torn region.

Earlier successful operations include:

• July 15: 86 weapons and 974 rounds recovered from the same five valley districts.
• July 4: 203 arms and 160 rounds seized from hill districts like Tengnoupal and Churachandpur.
• June 14: A massive haul of 328 weapons and 9,300 rounds recovered from Imphal Valley.

Officials emphasized that these intelligence-driven efforts are part of a larger mission to restore peace, maintain public order, and ensure citizen safety. The public has been urged to cooperate and report any information related to arms to local police or the Central Control Room.

Security coordination remains high, with senior officers closely monitoring the evolving situation and strategizing continued operations across the state.