Manipur: 18 automatic weapons seized during joint operations

IMPHAL: The joint columns of security forces comprising the Indian Army, Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force, and Border Security Force conducted three successful operations in parts of Manipur, resulting in the recovery of weapons, an official statement issued by Defence PRO on Friday said.

Defence PRO said that a total of 18 automatic weapons, 1085 bombs, 14 improvised mortars, rocket launchers, and other weapons were recovered in the process.

“Six rifles and pistols, one mortar, 530 assorted ammunition, and 132 other war-like stores,” an official statement said. According to the official statement, the security forces acted on the intelligence inputs, which indicated the presence of weapons and ammunition in parts of the state.

"Khamenlok, Gwalthabi, Wakan, and Shantipur ridges separate different villages of two warring communities in Imphal East. Intelligence reports were indicative of the buildup of weapons, ammunition, and other war-like store caches by both communities on either side of the ridges. The caches were probably being built up by inimical elements for attempting misadventure in each other's area,” an official statement said.

"The security forces took note of the intelligence inputs, carried out extensive surveillance, and launched multiple search operations to recover maximum war-like stores with an aim to thwart any attempts of firing or arson by miscreants," it added.

The Defence PRO said that the relentless efforts of all the security forces, including the Indian Army, in carrying out combing operations in Manipur have aided in assuring the population of an early return to peace and normalcy in Manipur. (ANI)

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