Security Forces Recover 80-Kg Rocket, Chinese Mortars And Explosives In Manipur

Security forces have recovered a large cache of arms and explosives, including a nearly 10-foot-long rocket weighing around 80 kg, four Chinese-origin mortars and six improvised explosive devices (IEDs), during a joint operation in Manipur's Churachandpur district, police said on Thursday.

The recovery was made on Wednesday by a joint team of the district police and the Army during an operation in the jungle area near P Geljang village under Kangvai sub-division. The operation was launched following intelligence inputs about the presence of weapons and explosives in the area.

According to a police statement, the recovered items included four 82 mm mortars of Chinese origin, a rocket measuring approximately 10 feet in length and weighing 80 kg, six IEDs and five Chinese grenades.

The security personnel also seized one CMG, one pistol and two single-barrel rifles, besides 30 mortar bombs of different calibres, including 82 mm and 51 mm, and five rounds of 5.6 mm ammunition.

Police did not disclose whether any arrests had been made in connection with the recovery or provide further details about the suspected ownership of the weapons.

The recovery comes amid continuing security concerns in Manipur, where ethnic tensions and sporadic violence have persisted since the outbreak of the conflict between the valley-based Meitei and hill-based Kuki communities in May 2023.

The violence has claimed at least 306 lives, while 49 people remain missing and thousands have been displaced from their homes, according to available figures.

In recent months, clashes between Kuki and Naga communities have also been reported in parts of the state, adding to the security challenges.

Security forces have continued operations to recover illegal arms and explosives and prevent further violence in the conflict-affected state.