Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: In one of the biggest security breakthroughs this year, the Manipur Police, supported by various security forces, unearthed a massive cache of sophisticated arms and ammunition in a series of coordinated raids across the valley districts early Tuesday morning.
The high-stakes operation, launched before dawn, swept through Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, security teams fanned out to multiple suspected hideouts, recovering an alarming assortment of lethal weapons and explosives that could have fueled unrest and violence in the already tense region.
According to officials, the seized arsenal includes five AK-series assault rifles, three INSAS rifles, sixteen Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), and nineteen pistols of varying calibers. In addition, the forces recovered nearly a thousand rounds of live ammunition, nine grenades, four powerful Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), six wireless communication handsets, and even two tube launchers — equipment that points to a well-armed network with potentially serious intentions.
Residents in the affected areas woke to the sight of convoys of police trucks and paramilitary personnel combing through fields, riverbanks, and abandoned structures. By midday, police had transported the recovered arms to secure facilities under tight escort.
“This is a significant success for all the security forces involved. Such a huge seizure will undoubtedly help in curbing the illegal flow of arms in the valley,” a senior police official told reporters at the Manipur Police Headquarters in Imphal.
Authorities believe the cache may be linked to insurgent groups or anti-social elements aiming to destabilize peace efforts. Investigations are underway to trace the origins and intended recipients of the weapons.
Appealing for public support, police urged local communities to remain vigilant and to immediately share any information related to illegal arms or suspicious movements.
“This is a clear message that anyone trying to disturb peace and harmony will face decisive action,” the official added.
The Manipur Police have also announced that operations of this scale will continue in the coming weeks as part of an intensified crackdown on illegal arms trafficking and militant activities in the state.
As the recovered arms undergo forensic analysis, security agencies are on high alert to prevent any retaliatory action or attempts to regroup by those involved.
