Imphal, 27 February (HS): A large cache of arms and ammunition was recovered during search operations carried out by security forces in Manipur’s Kakching and Imphal East districts, according to an official statement issued by the Manipur Police Headquarters on Friday.

The statement said that security forces conducted operations under the Waikhong Police Station area in Kakching district, covering Kakching Khunou, the Pamchao hill range and Pamchao Lamkhai region. During the operation, a substantial quantity of arms, ammunition and explosives was seized.

The recovered items included one AK-56 rifle loaded with 10 live rounds along with a bayonet, two SBBL guns, one DBBL gun, one .32 pistol with a magazine loaded with five live rounds, two No. 36 hand grenades, three Emuldine explosives (Class-2), three detonators, 256 live rounds of .303 rifle ammunition, 48 empty cartridges of 5.56x45 mm, three stun shells, one tear gas grenade, one Baofeng handset, a camouflage helmet and a gunny bag.

In a separate operation in Imphal East district, security personnel recovered additional arms from the Laerou Ching area under Irilbung Police Station. The seizure included one AK-56 rifle, one .303 rifle, three single barrel guns, two AK magazines, two HE No. 36 hand grenades, 46 live rounds of different calibres, 20 empty .303 rifle cartridges, one Kenwood handset and one MP5 holographic sight.

Police said further investigation is underway in connection with the recoveries.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash