Imphal, 28 February (HS): Security forces continuing their intensified operations across the state have recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from Imphal West and Churachandpur districts, according to Manipur Police on Saturday.

Acting on specific inputs, a joint operation was carried out in the interior areas under Patsoi Police Station in Imphal West district. From the Sangaithel Makha Leikai area, security personnel recovered one modified .303 rifle without a magazine, two locally made bolt-action single barrel guns, four pistols each with a magazine, two No. 36 HE grenades without detonators, one HE bomb, 15 rounds of .303 ammunition along with three charger clips, eight .303 blank cartridges, one SLR blank cartridge, one bulletproof vest with two iron plates, two camouflage helmets and three bags.

In a separate operation conducted the same day in the forested area of Thingijang village in Churachandpur district, the forces seized one AK-47 rifle with a magazine, three single barrel guns, one bolt-action single barrel gun, one bolt-action sniper rifle fitted with a scope, seven 7.62 mm fired cases and two SLR magazines.

Police said it is yet to be ascertained which group had concealed the recovered weapons. Further investigation is underway.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash