Imphal, 13 May (HS): Security forces in Manipur have intensified search operations against illegal arms stockpiling amid the ongoing crackdown on insurgent activities across the state. During coordinated operations carried out over last 24 hours in different parts of Bishnupur district, a huge cache of weapons, explosives and other incriminating materials was recovered, officials said.

According to an official statement issued by the Manipur Police Headquarters on Wednesday, one of the major recoveries was made on May 12 from the Laisoi area under Keibul Lamjao Police Station in Bishnupur district. Seized items included two bolt action rifles, one country-made 9 mm pistol, one rifle, one rocket mortar, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) weighing around four kilograms each, four HE-36 hand grenades, one Chinese grenade and 30 rounds of ammunition of different calibres.

Security personnel also recovered six helmets, six bulletproof jackets, six BP plates, three magazines of different weapons, one Pompi mortar shell, a 12-bore cartridge, five Baofeng handsets with chargers, one telescopic sight, five gelatin sticks, one para bomb, one detonator, two mortar shells, one 51 mm mortar shell, five tube launching rounds, three tube launching tubes fitted with rings, two signal cartridges and three sacks allegedly used for concealing the materials.

In another operation conducted on the same day near Loktak Mapal along Keifa Road under Moirang Police Station, the forces recovered one bolt action rifle, one 9 mm pistol with magazine, one mortar shell, four HE-36 grenades, two smoke grenades and an improvised rocket mortar. Other seized items included three gelatin sticks, one anti-aircraft ammunition round, 28 live cartridges of various calibres, five ballistic cartridges, two stun grenades, one para illumination bomb, two shotgun shells, one Baofeng radio set and two BP plates.

Meanwhile, police sources stated that on May 11, another IED was recovered from the Tronglaobi Maning Gurukhana area under Moirang Police Station. Materials seized along with the explosive device included a wireless control relay switch with five batteries, six plastic pouches filled with gunpowder, 12.75 metres of red wire, 33.87 metres of safety fuse wire, two detonators and 208 cm of white electric wire.

Police have registered separate cases in connection with the recoveries and further investigation is underway. No arrests have been made so far, and officials said the insurgent group linked to the recovered arms and explosives has not yet been identified.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash