Imphal, 14 June (HS): Manipur Police and security forces conducted a massive search operation on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday and recovered a huge quantity of arms and explosives.

Based on specific intelligence, joint teams of Manipur Police, Central Paramilitary Force (CAPF), Indian Army and Assam Rifles conducted simultaneous raids on the outskirts of five districts of the valley.

A total of 328 weapons were recovered in this operation, including 151 SLRs, 65 INSAS rifles, 73 other types of rifles, 5 carbine guns, 2 MP-5 guns and many other lethal weapons.

Apart from this, the security forces also found magazines with 10 grenades, 7 detonators, lathode bombs and a large quantity of live cartridges (SLR, INSAS, AK, .303).

ADGP of Manipur Police told a press conference, These weapons and war-like stores have been recovered from the outskirts of five districts in a search operation launched on the night of June 13-14. The recovered weapons also include advanced technology equipment like an AR-15 rifle, mortar, and flare gun, which shows the seriousness and dangerous nature of this secret arsenal. The police has described this success as a big step towards restoring law and order in the state. The police officer said that this operation was successful due to strong coordination between all the security agencies. Manipur Police has appealed to the general public to immediately report any suspicious activity or information related to illegal weapons to the nearest police station or central control room. The police has also made it clear that such intelligence-based operations will continue till peace is completely restored in the state.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash