Imphal: In separate search operations launched at different parts of strife-torn Manipur in the last 24 hours, security forces seized a huge cache of arms and ammunition, including hand grenades, sophisticated rifles lathod bombs , land mines, tear gas shells etc.
The operations were conducted in the fringe and vulnerable areas of Bishnupur , Kakching, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts, a police statement said.
From Kangpokpi district’s Champai area, the forces seized 3 SLR with a magazine, two 12 bore country made SBBL with 20 ammunition, 15 tear gas shells, one 40 mm lathode gun and 5 pompi guns.
In another operation launched at Gelbung village in Bishnpur district, one each of AI (AB) rifle and G3 rifle, 51 explosives (32 hand grenades, 4 two-inch (twins) mortar shells, 11 handmade mine bombs and 4 WP smoke bombs), 20 tube launchers, 20 arming rings, 2 detonators and one bullet proof jacket were recovered , the report added.
From Kakching district’s Wangoo Laiphum , the security forces confiscated one AK rifle, 5 SLR, one modified .303 rifle, one INSAS rifle, three .303 rifles, 2 SBBL guns, 16 hand grenades, 3 local pipe bombs, two walkie talkies , one bullet proof jacket and many magazines and bullets.
From Lamjang in Churachandpur district, the forces seized one 12 bore single barrel rifle, 4 explosives, one 40 mm local made grenade launcher , one 40 mm grenade launcher , added the statement.
On September 22, chief minister N Biren Singh, while informing that all illegal weapons held by any persons or groups across Manipur should be surrendered within 15 days, had warned of launching strong search operation to recover them.
Altogether 5668 arms were looted from police stations and armories across the state by miscreants since the ongoing ethnic violence broke out in the state on May 3.
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