Indian Army and Manipur Police Seize Illegal Arms in Major Operations

Two joint operations by the Indian Army and Manipur Police on September 21 led to significant seizures of illegal arms and explosives in Churachandpur, Thoubal, and Imphal East districts, underscoring ongoing efforts for regional peace and demilitarization.

In a coordinated crackdown on illegal arms, the Indian Army, in collaboration with Manipur Police, conducted two significant operations on September 21. The efforts led to substantial recoveries of arms and explosives from Churachandpur, as well as the fringe areas of Thoubal and Imphal East districts, according to an official statement released on Saturday. 'These operations underscore the Indian Army's ongoing peace efforts in the region, with the demilitarization of the local population as a primary objective,' the statement noted.

In the initial operation, a combined team of Indian Army and Churachandpur Police executed a search in the heavily forested upper reaches of Thangjing Ridge in Churachandpur District. This mission resulted in notable recoveries including two 9 mm pistols, two pistol magazines, a single-barrel rifle, two locally fabricated rockets measuring 5.5 feet and 3 feet respectively, a modified long-range mortar, two modified medium-range mortars, four mortar bombs, nine rounds of 9 mm ammunition, 6.2 kilograms of Grade Two explosives, and other warlike stores. In a separate mission, driven by specific intelligence, a team of Indian Army and Manipur Police conducted a search operation in Changbi Village on the outskirts of Thoubal and Imphal East districts. This second operation yielded two carbine machine guns, two pistols, a single-barrel gun, nine hand grenades, eleven rounds of small arms ammunition, and additional warlike stores.

The successful confiscation of these arms and explosives illustrates the effective coordination between the Indian Army and local law enforcement, reinforcing their collective commitment to regional security. All recovered items have been handed over to Manipur Police for further investigation and legal processes. On September 20, security forces also conducted search operations and area domination in vulnerable hill and valley districts. The movement of 176 and 224 vehicles along NH-37 and NH-2 respectively, carrying essential items, was ensured. Strict security measures were implemented across vulnerable locations, with security convoys provided in sensitive stretches to ensure safe passage. Additionally, 109 checkpoints were established across different districts of Manipur, resulting in zero detentions for violations, as per Manipur Police.

(With inputs from agencies.)