Security Forces Recover Cache of Chinese-Origin Assault Rifles in Arunachal Pradesh's Changlang District

A large number of Chinese-origin assault rifles was recovered in Arunachal Pradesh's Changlang district in a joint operation by security forces, a defence spokesperson revealed on Sunday (29 December).

The operation, executed by the Army and Assam Rifles in coordination with district police, utilised specialist drones, tracker dogs, and metal detectors.

Ten MQ-81 Chinese-origin assault rifles and Type 81 assault rifles were recovered from various locations along the 27 Mile stretch on the Miao-Vijaynagar Road within the Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve, stated defence spokesperson Lt Col Amit Shukla.

The rifles are believed to have been buried by Eastern Naga National Government (ENNG) militants before their surrender last year.

Shukla added that the weapons had been actively sought by insurgent groups operating in Changlang for over six months.

Based on intelligence inputs, security forces located the hidden cache in the dense forest area on Saturday.

Shukla said that numerous inputs indicated insurgent groups, including NSCN (IM) and NSCN (KYA), with support from ENNG cadres, had been attempting to recover the weapons.

"Prior to the operation, the security forces ensured safe passage to tourists present in Namdapha Reserve Forest. The operation was carried out with the utmost professionalism and precision, ensuring that the weapons did not fall into the hands of insurgents," he said.

"This successful operation underscores the continued dedication of security forces to maintaining peace and security in the region," Shukla said.

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