Imphal, 28 July (HS): Security forces recovered a huge cache of arms, ammunition and explosives during separate operations in Imphal East and Bishnupur districts of Manipur over the last 24 hours.

On Tuesday, security personnel conducted a search operation in the foothills of the Seijang Cheirao Ching area in Imphal East district. During the operation, they recovered one .303 rifle with a magazine, three 12-bore single-barrel guns, one .22 rifle, one anti-riot gun, three mortar shells, two No. 36 hand grenades, 43 live rounds of ammunition of various calibres, three tear smoke grenades, five wireless sets and one AK rifle magazine.

In another operation, security forces launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the area between the northern side of Lamdan and Geljang under Loktak Police Station in Bishnupur district.

The search led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle with two magazines, one double-barrel breech-loading (DBBL) gun, one country-made sniper rifle, three 9 mm pistols (including two country-made) with magazines, one 51 HE mortar shell, two No. 36 HE hand grenades, one hand grenade with a tube launcher, anti-riot grenades, several magazines, ammunition of different calibres and other miscellaneous items.

The recovered arms and explosives have been seized, and further investigation is underway. Security forces have intensified search operations across vulnerable areas of the state to curb the movement of illegal weapons and maintain law and order.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash