Large Cache of Arms and Ammunition Recovered Across Manipur in Coordinated Security Raids
Summary
In a massive intelligence-led operation between midnight of July 3 and the morning of July 4, 2025, Manipur’s security forces—including Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, Central Armed Police Forces, and the Indian Army—carried out coordinated raids across the hill districts of Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, Chandel, and Churachandpur. They seized a staggering 203 firearms, including INSAS rifles, AK-series rifles, SLRs, sniper rifles, mortars, grenade launchers, pistols and more. In addition, authorities recovered ammunition, explosives, IEDs (30) and hand grenades (10). Officials described the operation as a major breakthrough in enhancing security and restoring peace in the region
Introduction: A Monumental Victory in Manipur’s Security Landscape
Ever heard the saying, “disarming the enemy is half the victory?” In Manipur, that adage just got real. When 203 advanced weapons and a cache of explosives are taken off the streets, it’s more than law enforcement—it’s a lifeline for peace.
Between the late hours of July 3 and the break of dawn on July 4, Manipur’s joint security forces executed multiple simultaneous raids across vulnerable hill districts. The result? A massive weapon haul and a sharp reminder that intelligence-led policing is no myth—it’s working on the ground.
What Sparked the Raids: Intelligence-Driven Precision
These weren’t random checkpoints or routine patrols. Each raid was backed by specific, actionable intelligence pointing to hidden weapon caches in remote interiors.
Security agencies identified multiple high-risk sites in:
- Tengnoupal
- Kangpokpi
- Chandel
- Churachandpur
Armed with solid leads, joint teams comprised of Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, Indian Army, and CAPFs moved in under the cover of darkness to catch militants off-guard
The Arsenal Uncovered: A Closer Look at the Seizure
Imagine stumbling into an arms camp straight out of an action movie. That’s the scale we’re talking about:
- 21 INSAS rifles
- 11 AK-series rifles
- 26 Self‑Loading Rifles (SLRs)
- 2 sniper rifles, 3 carbines, 17 .303 rifles
- 2 mortars, 3 M79 grenade launchers
- 1 scoped rifle
- Plus dozens of single-shot, bolt-action, country-made pistols, pompi guns, lathodes, and muzzle loaders
Doctors of destruction, they were—until the security forces went in.
Beyond Guns: Explosives and Ammunition
Weapons alone tell only part of the story. Add to that:
- 30 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
- 10 hand grenades
- 9 pompi shells
- 2 lathode grenades
- Ammo: 29 rounds of 5.56 mm, 80 rounds of 7.62 mm, and more
That’s enough firepower to wreak havoc—not only immediate violence but long‑term terror planning.
Conclusion: A Milestone, Not The Destination
In pursuing peace, there are landmarks that matter. The July 3–4 arms haul is one such landmark—a turn toward tighter security, stronger intelligence, and restored hope.
Imagine a forest once teeming with hidden weapons. Night after night, forces go in and retrieve more—leaving fewer and fewer stockpiles. Over time, the forest becomes safer. That’s the journey Manipur is on.
Sure, insurgency may not vanish overnight. But every weapon seized, every informer turned, every tip followed—reduces its reach. And that cumulative effect? That’s how peace grows.
FAQs
- What triggered the operations between July 3 and 4?
Specific intelligence provided locations of hidden arms caches in hills—prompting coordinated raids by multiple security agencies. - How many weapons were recovered in this operation?
A total of 203 firearms were seized, including INSAS rifles, AK-series rifles, SLRs, sniper rifles, grenade launchers, pistols, and more. - Besides firearms, what kind of explosive items were recovered?
Authorities recovered 30 IEDs, 10 hand grenades, 9 pompi shells, and 2 lathode grenades, along with ammunition in various calibres. - How does this raid fit into wider efforts across 2025?
It’s part of a sustained series of operations—earlier in April, June, and mid-July—with seizures ranging from dozens to hundreds of arms across hill and valley districts. - What’s next for security strategy in Manipur?
Continued intelligence-based operations, community engagement, technology deployment like drones and signal tracking, and inter-agency coordination to prevent regrouping of militants.
