Chinese and US-made rifles seized in major arms haul in Manipur's Chandel district
Imphal: The Assam Rifles, in two successful operations, recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition, including Chinese and US-made rifles, in Manipur’s Chandel district, officials said on Monday.
A Defence spokesperson stated that the para-military troops conducted two separate operations in the villages of Thingphai, TS Laijang, and Changpol Khengjoi over the past 24 hours. A concealed hideout of armed groups was also uncovered in TS Laijang village.
The seized items included:
- A US-made M16 rifle with its magazine.
- A Type 81 Chinese Assault Rifle along with three magazines.
- An AK-56 Rifle.
- Two high-powered assault rifles.
- Improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
- Locally made Lathod guns, Pompi bombs, and Lathod bombs.
- Motorola communication sets with chargers.
- 5.56 mm ammunition rounds.
Arrests and further action
Two individuals were apprehended from the Khengjoi sub-division. The seized items and arrested individuals have been handed over to local police stations for further investigation and legal proceedings.
A Defence spokesperson emphasised that the operations underscore the Assam Rifles' proactive approach to ensuring safety and security in the region.
Widespread operations in Manipur
In a series of joint operations conducted over the past few days, the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, and other Central forces recovered additional arms, ammunition, and war-like stores in districts including Imphal East, Tengnoupal, Yangiangpokpi, and Churachandpur.
Among the seized items were:
- A light machine gun.
- A 12-bore single-barrel gun, a pistol, and a factory-made .303 rifle.
- Two tube launchers.
- IEDs, grenades, explosives, and ammunition.
- Two double-barrel rifles and one single-bore rifle recovered from vehicles.
Hideouts dismantled
Three hideouts, believed to be used by armed groups, were identified and destroyed in Churachandpur district on elevations overlooking the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2). Security personnel have intensified patrols in the area to deter further militant activities.
The Defence spokesperson noted that the operations reflect a coordinated effort to curb insurgent activities and maintain peace in the region.
With IANS inputs