In a series of intensified search and area domination operations conducted by security forces across vulnerable and fringe areas of Manipur’s hill and valley districts, a significant cache of arms, ammunition, explosives, and protective gear was recovered. These operations, launched as part of ongoing efforts to maintain law and order in conflict-prone zones, were carried out under the jurisdiction of various police stations in Imphal West, Kakching, and Thoubal districts.
During operations conducted in the Mayanglangjing Tamang and Mana-Ingkhol areas under the jurisdiction of Lamsang Police Station in Imphal West district, security personnel recovered a considerable quantity of illegal weaponry and protective equipment. Among the seized items were a 7.62 mm self-loading rifle (SLR) with a magazine loaded with four live rounds, a defective double-barrel gun, an air gun, a modified flare gun, and a modified rifle complete with a magazine. The recovery also included two single-barrel guns and two pistols, each equipped with magazines. Additionally, four empty magazines designed for SLR rifles were found, along with four bulletproof vests, and eight ballistic plates suspected to be used for body protection—six of these were made of iron, one from rubber, and another from plastic. Security personnel also recovered four helmets from the same area.
In a separate operation carried out in the Tokpaching Moirangkhom Hill Range under the jurisdiction of Arong Nongmaikhong Police Station in Kakching District, the forces discovered two submachine gun (SMG) carbines without magazines, a .303 rifle with magazine, and a variety of other firearms including one single-barrel gun, two double-barrel guns, a modified 7.62 mm sniper rifle, and a 9 mm pistol with magazine. In addition to firearms, explosives and ammunition were also found, including three 81 mm mortar shells, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) weighing approximately four kilograms each, three cartridges of 12 bore ammunition, two high-explosive grenades (No. 36 type), and 20 live rounds of .303 ammunition. The team further recovered thirteen empty .303 cartridge cases, two detonators, and thirty spent cartridge cases of 7.62×39 mm caliber. Non-lethal items such as eleven tear smoke shells, nine bulletproof vests, a camouflage shirt, two mortar shell carrying boxes, an empty 12 bore cartridge, and three gunny bags were also seized during this operation.
Meanwhile, in a related crackdown on illegal militant infrastructure, security forces dismantled two unauthorized bunkers situated at the foothills of Chandrakhong under the jurisdiction of Nongpok Sekmai Police Station in Thoubal District. The bunkers were reportedly being used by armed miscreants to monitor security force movement and carry out unlawful activities.
In a separate development, personnel from Manipur Police recovered a 9 mm pistol loaded with four rounds of live ammunition from the residence of one Kongkham Binoy Singh (aged 42) of Mayang Imphal Maibam Konjil Mayai Leikai. The recovery was made following a lead from an arrestee, Maibam Nanao Singh, also known by his aliases Kokngang and Bungo, aged 49, of Loitang Khullen Maning Leikai under Sekmai Police Station in Imphal West. Nanao Singh is reported to be an active member of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group), or KCP(PWG). His arrest has been linked to ongoing investigations into arms possession and militant activities in the region.
In another coordinated operation, Manipur Police arrested Lourembam Krishnamohon, also known as Punshiba, aged 45, a resident of Mayanglangjing Tamang in Imphal West. The arrest took place at Lamsang Bazar under Lamsang Police Station. Krishnamohon is suspected to be an active member of the KCP(PWG) and is allegedly involved in extortion activities, including issuing threats and monetary demands to government officials operating in and around the Imphal area. Upon his arrest, police seized a mobile handset and an Aadhaar identification card from his possession.
Further extending their crackdown on illegal activities, police under Singjamei Police Station detained two individuals in possession of a large quantity of narcotic cough syrup. The seizure was made in Langthabal Kunja Mayai Leikai, and it included 115 bottles of Codeine Phosphate & Triprolidine HCL Syrup, sold under the brand name Tussrex-TR (100 ml). The arrested individuals have been identified as Rahul Kshetriya, aged 23, from Singjamei Wangma Torban Kshetri Leikai, Kshetrimayum Leirak in Imphal East, and Thokchom Angamba Singh, aged 24, from Kakwa Lamdaibung Leikai, also in Imphal East.
