Security Forces Recover Caches of Arms in Manipur Hills

PTI, Imphal, Sep 18, 2025 Security forces have recovered significant caches of arms from three hill districts of Manipur in operations carried out over the past few days, according to police sources on Thursday.

Acting on specific intelligence, security forces launched simultaneous operations at multiple sites in the interior areas of Churachandpur, Chandel, and Tengnoupal districts. The recovered items included:

• 11 pistols

• 37 single-barreled rifles

• Two .303 rifles

• One M-16 rifle

• One MA-1 rifle

• One MK-II INSAS rifle

• One Carbine

• One double-barreled rifle

In addition to the firearms, the forces also discovered:

• Three lathode bombs

• 28 locally made mortars (pompis)

• 57 rounds of ammunition of different types

• 23 radio sets

Police officials confirmed that senior officers are in close coordination with all security stakeholders to ensure that such operations continue in a sustained and focused manner. The goal of these operations is to restore peace and normalcy, maintain public order, and ensure the safety of citizens' lives and properties.

Ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in the region since May 2023 has led to over 260 deaths and left thousands of people displaced. The recovery of these arms is seen as a significant step in efforts to control the ongoing unrest.