Army, Assam Rifles and police forces recovered huge cache of arms and ammunitions from Manipur

In a series of successful joint operations, Indian Army, Assam Rifles, in coordination with Manipur Police and other security forces, recovered nine weapons, Improvised Explosive Device (IED), ammunition and warlike stores (WLS) from both hill and valley regions in the districts of Imphal West, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi , Imphal East, Jiribam and Tengnoupal of Manipur.

Acting on credible intelligence regarding an infiltration attempt across the Indo-Myanmar border near Moreh, in Tengnoupal district, Manipur, troops of the Assam Rifles launched an operation on November 17. The vigilant troops observed suspicious movements across the border and engaged them.

During a fierce and intense firefight, approximately six to seven infiltrators were reportedly injured. One jawan from the Assam Rifles sustained a gunshot wound but received immediate medical attention and is currently in stable condition. A thorough search operation was conducted in the area, resulting in the recovery of significant war-like stores. The items seized include one Self Loading Rifle (SLR), one MA1 rifle, Lathode bombs, Rifle grenades, Mortar bombs, ammunition and war like stores.

In Churachandpur district, Indian Army, in coordination with the CRPF launched intelligence based joint operation in H Kotlian area of Churachandpur district on November 20. The operation led to the recovery of warlike stores to include one improvised mortar with ammunition (electric ignition).

Further, in a meticulously planned joint operation with Manipur Police, Assam Rifles apprehended two cadres of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) – Pambei faction near Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) Hospital in Porompat. The operation, conducted on the evening of November 23, resulted in the arrest of two individuals and recovery of a 9 mm Beretta pistol and ammunition. The arrested individuals and the weapons were handed over to Manipur Police.

In a resolute step towards restoring and maintaining normalcy in Jiribam, a joint search and combing operation by columns from Assam Rifles in coordination with CRPF, Manipur Police, and IRB was successfully conducted on November 24. The operation commenced at 6 AM and covered sensitive locations, including Mongbung Kuki, Mongbung Meitei, Zairawn, Balijuri, and Kashimpur. 400 troops from various security forces participated in the operation.

With meticulous planning and flawless execution, three joint teams conducted simultaneous operations, ensuring a comprehensive sweep of the identified areas. Key ingress and egress routes were secured to prevent movement of miscreants.

Security Forces equipped with Explosive Detection dogs, Deep Search Metal Detectors, and drones, carried out detailed search operations of areas on the fringes of PS Jiribam and Jakuradhar/ Borobekra. The teams also used quadcopters for effective surveillance augmenting the efforts of ground parties.

The operation resulted in the defusing of an Improvised Device and a Grenade attached to a tripwire, placed by miscreants in a jungle trail. Three illegal bunkers in the general area rubber garden were also dismantled, demonstrating the resolve of the security forces to remove all threats to peace. Security forces are intensifying vigilance on access routes to Jiribam District. Likely trouble spots and key instigators have been identified and are under discreet surveillance.

Assam Rifles, in collaboration with Manipur Police, conducted a joint search operation in the Longajang area of Lunkhongjang ridges, Kangpokpi District on 24 November 24 and recovered a .303 rifle, a SBBL gun, two 9mm pistols, a long-range mortar ammunition and war like stores. The recovered items were handed over to Manipur Police.

The strong actions of security forces have forced armed miscreants to cease their nefarious activities.

These operations underscore the unwavering commitment of Indian Army & Assam Rifles in maintaining peace and security in Manipur. The force continues to work closely with local police forces to neutralize threats posed by insurgent groups and ensure the safety of the region.