20 Firearms, Explosives Seized in Two Operations in Manipur

Security forces in Manipur’s Imphal West district seized at least 20 firearms, grenades and ammunition in two separate operations conducted over the weekend, police said on Monday, amid continuing efforts to curb violence and restore stability in the conflict-hit state.

According to a police statement, a major cache of 16 weapons and ammunition was recovered from the Langol hill range under the jurisdiction of Lamphel Police Station on Sunday. The seized items included 10 pistols, an INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) rifle, a .303 rifle, a detonator and five live rounds .

In a separate operation carried out on Saturday, security personnel recovered four firearms , including two pistols , along with two hand grenades and ammunition from Ingel Hill at Tendongyang under the Sekmai Police Station limits.

Security forces have intensified search and combing operations across several vulnerable districts in Manipur as part of ongoing measures to trace illegal arms and prevent fresh outbreaks of violence.

Manipur has remained tense since ethnic clashes erupted between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in May 2023 . The conflict has claimed the lives of more than 260 people and displaced thousands, prompting prolonged deployment of central and state security forces in affected areas.

Authorities have repeatedly appealed for the surrender of illegal weapons, while security agencies continue coordinated operations in hill and valley regions to stabilize the situation and prevent militant activity.