Manipur: 328 Guns And Rifles Seized By Security Forces In Joint Operation In Five Valley Districts

Explosives and other warlike stores were recovered from the outskirts of five valley districts in Manipur during a joint operation conducted by the Manipur Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Army and Assam Rifles.

They recovered 328 firearms during raids, including looted police weapons, the Hindu reported, citing a police official.

Among the seized weapons were six AK-series rifles, 151 self-loading rifles (SLRs), 65 INSAS rifles, along with mortars, pistols, carbines, and over 5,000 rounds of ammunition.

Since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on 3 May, 2023, nearly 6,000 weapons and large quantities of ammunition have been stolen from police facilities across the state.

In a statement, the Manipur Police reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace and ensuring the safety and security of citizens.

The force urged the public to cooperate with police and security agencies by reporting any suspicious activities or information related to illegal weapons to the nearest police station or the Central Control Room.

Senior police officials said they are working in close coordination with all security stakeholders to carry out sustained and focused operations aimed at restoring normalcy, maintaining public order, and safeguarding lives and property.

"In the intervening night of 13-14 June, search operations were launched in the outskirts of 5 valley districts by joint teams of Manipur Police, CAPF, Army and Assam Rifles. Explosives and other warlike stores were recovered by the joint teams. 151 SLR rifle, 65 Insas rifles, 73 rifles of other kinds, 5 carbine gun, 2 MP-5 gun and other warlike stores were recovered...The total guns and rifles recovered are 328 in number," Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo, ADGP Manipur Police, was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

"These intelligence-based operations mark a major achievement for the Manipur Police and the security forces in their continued efforts to restore normalcy, maintain public order, and ensure the safety and security of citizens and their properties...," the ADGP added.

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