Major Arms Recovery in Manipur as Security Forces Seize Large Cache of Illegal Weapons and Ammunition

Imphal, KalimNews, July 6, 2025: In one of the largest operations of its kind in Manipur, security forces have made a significant breakthrough by recovering a massive cache of illegal arms, ammunition, and explosives following a series of coordinated and intelligence-based search operations. These operations were carried out over two days, from the midnight of July 3, 2025, to the morning of July 4, 2025, and resulted in the recovery of over 200 firearms and a large quantity of ammunition, Manipur Police sources stated.

The operations, which took place in the hill districts of Manipur, including Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, Chandel, and Churachandpur, were launched after receiving specific intelligence about the presence of a substantial stockpile of warlike materials concealed across various locations in the interior of the state. These coordinated actions were carried out by joint teams of the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles/Army, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

The security forces' efforts culminated in the recovery of a variety of arms and ammunition. Among the seized weapons were 21 INSAS rifles, 11 AK series rifles, 26 SLRs, 2 sniper rifles, 3 carbines, 17 Pt 303 rifles, 2 51mm mortars, 2 MA assault rifles, and several other firearms, including single-shot breech-loaded rifles and country-made pistols. In total, security forces recovered 203 weapons from the targeted areas.

In addition to firearms, the operation also yielded a significant quantity of ammunition and explosives. Among the recovered items were 29 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 80 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 30 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), 10 grenades, 9 Pompi shells, and 2 Lathode grenades.

List of both arms and ammunition/explosives recovered during the operation:

Arms Recovered:

1. INSAS Rifle – 21

2. AK Series Rifles – 11

3. SLR (Self-Loading Rifle) – 26

4. Sniper Rifle – 02

5. Carbine – 03

6. Pt 303 Rifle – 17

7. 51 MM Mortar – 02

8. MA Assault Rifle – 02

9. M 79 Grenade Launcher – 03

10. Rifle with Scope – 01

11. Single-shot Breech-loaded Rifle – 18

12. Single Barrel Bolt Action Rifle – 11

13. Pistol – 06

14. Point 22 Rifle – 01

15. Lathode – 02

16. Single Bore Rifle – 25

17. Pistol (Country-made) – 03

18. Muzzle-loaded Rifle – 04

19. Single Bore Rifle – 06

20. Pompi – 38

21. Lathode (Hand Grenade) – 01

Total Weapons Recovered: 203

Ammunition/Explosives Recovered:

1. 5.56 mm Ammunition – 29

2. 7.62 mm Ammunition – 80

3. IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) – 30

4. Grenades – 10

Total Weapons Recovered: 203

This successful operation marks a pivotal moment in the state’s ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and restore public safety. The Director General of Police (DGP) of Manipur, in a statement issued to the media, reaffirmed the commitment of the security forces to maintain law and order, ensuring the protection of citizens and their property. He emphasized that such operations are part of a broader strategy to neutralize unlawful elements and restore peace to the region.

"We are dedicated to ensuring public safety, restoring normalcy, and protecting the lives and property of our citizens. These operations demonstrate our determination to dismantle illegal arms networks and prevent further violence," the DGP stated. "We will continue working in close coordination with all security stakeholders to carry out sustained operations aimed at upholding the rule of law."

The police have urged the local population to remain vigilant and cooperate by reporting any suspicious activities or information regarding illegal arms to the nearest police station or through the Central Control Room. Public cooperation is deemed crucial in maintaining a secure environment and ensuring that law enforcement can continue to make strides in eliminating unlawful activities.

The recent recovery is part of a larger, ongoing effort to curb the illegal weapons trade in the state. This follows the success of a similar operation on June 14, 2025, when over 300 illegal firearms were recovered in a joint operation conducted by the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, Army, and CAPFs across five valley districts of the state. The authorities are now intensifying their focus on eradicating the illicit arms trade and the criminal activities associated with it.

As the security forces continue their vigilance, the public is urged to assist in these efforts by remaining alert and supportive of law enforcement in their mission to restore lasting peace and stability to the region.