Churachandpur/Thoubal, 31 July (HS): A major anti-insurgency crackdown unfolded in Manipur on Wednesday, as security forces and police teams launched coordinated operations across Churachandpur and Thoubal districts, uncovering a substantial cache of arms, ammunition, and tactical equipment.

The multi-location raids form part of an ongoing strategy aimed at disrupting illegal arms networks that have contributed to the region’s unrest.

At Dampi Ridge near the general area of Songphel, personnel under Churachandpur Police Station recovered a wide array of weaponry and communication tools during a search operation. The seized items include:

14 single-barrel rifles, 1 pistol with a magazine, 1 Pompi (a locally-made firearm), 9 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 8 Pompi bullets, 23 cartridges of 12 bore, 10 live .303 calibre rounds, 1 live 9mm round, 3 blank .303 rounds, 3 helmets and 2 Boafeng radio sets recovered.

A separate raid in Buallian village, also under Churachandpur Police Station, led to the recovery of 3 locally-fabricated single-barrel rifles and 1 country-made pistol.

In Tollen village and adjoining areas, more illegal arms were found include 3 single-barrel rifles, 1 Pompi firearm, 4 Pompi bullets, 4 cartridges of 12 bore, 1 live 7.62mm round, 2 empty 5.56mm casings and 4 tear smoke shells.

Meanwhile, in the Langathel Hangoipat locality under the jurisdiction of Khongjom Police Station, Thoubal district police unearthed 4 Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs) and 8 magazines compatible with SLRs.

The operations are being viewed as a significant step toward neutralizing the illegal weapons supply chain in Manipur. Authorities are currently investigating the source of the recovered arms and the entities behind their circulation.

Officials indicated that further operations are on the horizon, as security forces maintain pressure to restore law and order in the troubled regions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash