Imphal, 28 March (HS): In a continued effort to restore law and order in Manipur, joint teams of security forces and police have intensified search operations across sensitive areas, leading to the recovery of a large cache of arms and explosives, officials said on Friday.

According to an official statement issued by the Manipur Police Headquarters, security forces recovered a significant quantity of weapons and explosive materials from Moidangpok Khunou area under Patsoi police station in Imphal West district. The seized items included three locally made bolt-action single barrel guns, two pistols each with a magazine, a 2-inch mortar, four anti-riot 38 mm cartridges, five rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, a bulletproof vest, a green belt, and two bags.

In a separate operation conducted on the same day, security forces demolished three bunkers at Thoyi Naga village under Litan police station in Ukhrul district.

Officials stated that continuous search operations and area domination exercises are being carried out in fringe and vulnerable areas across multiple districts, resulting in frequent recoveries of arms and ammunition.

As part of measures to ensure the free movement of essential goods, a total of 241 vehicles transporting supplies were escorted safely along National Highway-37 on Friday. Strict security arrangements have been put in place at all vulnerable locations, with convoy protection provided in sensitive stretches to ensure uninterrupted and secure transit.

Additionally, 114 checkpoints and naka points were set up across hill and valley districts of Manipur. However, no detentions were reported during these operations, police added.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash