In a major crackdown to restore peace in Manipur, security forces recovered a massive cache of arms and ammunition, including 328 rifles and guns, during intelligence-led raids across five districts of the Imphal valley.
The joint operation was carried out on the night of June 13–14 by the Manipur Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), the Army, and Assam Rifles in the outskirts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Thoubal. Among the recovered items were 151 SLR rifles, 65 INSAS rifles, 73 other types of rifles, five carbine guns, two MP5 guns, 12 light machine guns, six AK series rifles, two Amogh rifles, one mortar, six pistols, one AR-15, and two flare guns.
Additionally, the forces seized 591 assorted magazines, 3,534 SLR bullets, 2,186 INSAS rounds, 2,252 rounds of .303 rifles, 234 AK rounds, 407 Amogh rounds, 20 pistol bullets, 10 grenades, three lathodes, and seven detonators.
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The Manipur Police described this as a significant achievement in their ongoing efforts to maintain law and order, urging the public to report any illegal arms or suspicious activities to the nearest police station. The raids are part of continued efforts to bring stability to Manipur, which has been grappling with ethnic violence since 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
Over 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced due to the conflict. In response to the unrest, the Central Government imposed President’s Rule in February 2024, suspending the state assembly. The CBI is currently investigating various cases linked to the violence as per a Supreme Court directive. Recently, tensions flared again following the arrest of leaders from the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol, prompting widespread protests, internet shutdowns, and curfews in several districts.
