Imphal (Manipur) [India], June 24 (ANI): The Indian Army and Assam Rifles, under the Spear Corps, launched a series of intelligence-based operations across several hill and valley districts in Manipur—Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching, Kamjong, Tengnoupal, Senapati, Imphal East, and Imphal West—between June 15 and 22. These operations, conducted in close coordination with Manipur Police, CRPF, BSF, and ITBP, resulted in the apprehension of 17 cadres from various hill- and valley-based groups and the recovery of a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and explosive devices.
According to a press release from the Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (South), security forces recovered 24 weapons, three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), grenades, a substantial quantity of ammunition, and other war-like stores.
On June 16, acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint team of the Indian Army and Manipur Police conducted a search operation in the Leirongthel Pitra, Nongpok Sekmai area of Thoubal district, resulting in the recovery of one .303 rifle, one 12-bore double-barrel gun, one pistol, ammunition, and additional stores.
On the same day in Imphal West district, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police carried out another operation in Sangaithel Makha Leikai, recovering five weapons including one 5.56mm INSAS rifle, one 9mm pistol, and three bolt-action rifles.
In Senapati district, an operation in the Kalenjang area led to the seizure of four more weapons, including two bolt-action single-barrel rifles, one single-barrel Pompi, and one double-barrel Pompi. A separate operation at Sangaithel, Imphal West, also led to the recovery of a 7.62mm Self-Loading Rifle (SLR).
On June 17, a joint operation in Ningthoukhong Kha Khunou, Bishnupur, led to the recovery of a Pt 32 pistol. That same day, a search at Laipham Khunou, Imphal East, yielded a 9mm pistol, ammunition, and additional military supplies.
On June 18, acting on intelligence about hidden arms in Karang, Bishnupur district, the Indian Army and Manipur Police recovered a .303 rifle. The next day, a search operation in the forested area of Tingri in Imphal West led to the recovery of three rifles, grenades, ammunition, and other combat materials.
In one of the largest recoveries, security forces acted on intelligence about arms caches in Nongmaikhong (east of the Imphal River), Kakching district, on June 21. This resulted in the recovery of three IEDs, five weapons—including an AK-47, a 9mm carbine, two SBBL guns, and a modified 9mm pistol—along with explosives, ammunition, and other equipment.
The 17 apprehended cadres and all recovered items have been handed over to Manipur Police. These coordinated operations underscore the persistent efforts by security forces to ensure peace and security in Manipur amid ongoing unrest. (ANI)
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