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