Imphal: In a series of coordinated operations across multiple districts in Manipur, security forces have arrested 17 militants and recovered a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives, officials confirmed on Monday.
According to Defence spokesperson Lt. Col. Amit Shukla, joint operations involving the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Manipur Police were carried out over the past few days.
These efforts led to the seizure of 31 weapons—including advanced and improvised firearms—along with 14 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), grenades, and other war-like stores.
The recoveries were made from four districts: Kakching, Tengnoupal, Bishnupur, and Kangpokpi, covering both valley and hill regions of the state.
Among the weapons seized were Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), bolt-action rifles, improvised launchers (pompi), pistols, carbines, a Pt .22 rifle, INSAS rifles, and improvised mortars.
Lt. Col. Shukla added that the arrested individuals are suspected members of various valley and hill-based insurgent groups. In addition to weapons, authorities recovered mobile phones, two-wheelers, and other materials.
All apprehended individuals and seized items have been handed over to Manipur Police for further investigation.
“These coordinated efforts underscore the security forces’ firm commitment to restoring peace and stability in the region,” said Shukla.
Meanwhile, Manipur Police have intensified their campaign against vehicle theft amid ongoing ethnic unrest in the state.
ALSO READ: Terrorism will stay so long as Islam is there: Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin
In the last 24 hours alone, three stolen vehicles were recovered.
Since the special drive began on April 16, authorities have retrieved 145 stolen cars and 25 two-wheelers from various locations across Manipur.
Combined forces continue to conduct search operations and maintain area dominance, particularly in fringe and high-risk zones across both hill and valley districts.
