Manipur: Huge Cache of Arms and Stolen Vehicles Recovered During Search Operations
Security forces in Manipur have recently conducted extensive search operations across various districts, leading to the recovery of a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and stolen vehicles. These operations are part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and order in the region.
Summary of Recent Developments
In a series of coordinated search operations, security forces in Manipur have recovered a substantial arsenal of weapons and ammunition from areas such as Zero Point N. Boljang village track in Kangpokpi District. The seized items include 7.62 mm SLR rifles, a .22 mm country-made pistol, improvised mortars, mortar bombs, and rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition. Additionally, stolen vehicles, including Maruti Swift models with suspicious registration details, were retrieved from Ushoipokpi along NH-102 in Thoubal District. Organiser+9Northeast Live+9The Assam Tribune+9
Detailed Analysis of the Situation
Background
Since May 2023, Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. This unrest led to the looting of over 6,000 sophisticated arms and vast amounts of ammunition from police stations and outposts. The widespread availability of these weapons has exacerbated tensions and hindered peace efforts in the state. Ommcom News+2The Siasat Daily+2Ommcom News+2
Recent Recovery Operations
In response to the escalating violence and the proliferation of illegal arms, security forces have intensified their operations:Arunachal Observer+11News from Manipur – Imphal Times+11awazthevoice.in+11
- Joint Operations: The Indian Army, Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, CRPF, BSF, and ITBP have collaborated to conduct search operations across various districts, including Jiribam, Tengnoupal, Kakching, Ukhrul, Imphal East, and Imphal West. These operations have led to the recovery of 25 weapons, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), grenades, ammunition, and other war-like stores. News from Manipur – Imphal Times+3Arunachal Observer+3The Assam Tribune+3
- Specific Recoveries: In the Bidyanagar and New Alipur villages of Jiribam district, security forces recovered pump action shotguns, a double-barrel rifle, ammunition, and other war-like stores. In Senam, Tengnoupal district, they seized INSAS rifles, carbines, pistols, improvised mortars, IEDs, grenades, and ammunition. Northeast Live+6Arunachal Observer+6awazthevoice.in+6
Government Initiatives
To curb the proliferation of illegal arms and restore normalcy, the government has undertaken several measures:Organiser
- Appeal for Surrender: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla appealed to individuals and organizations to surrender looted and illegally held weapons. This appeal resulted in the return of over 1,020 arms and a substantial cache of ammunition by March 6, 2025. The Assam Tribune+7Ommcom News+7Ommcom News+7
- Post-Amnesty Crackdown: Following the expiration of the extended deadline for voluntary surrender on March 6, security forces intensified search operations, leading to the recovery of sophisticated weapons and explosives across multiple districts. The Assam Tribune+1News from Manipur – Imphal Times+1
Challenges Ahead
Despite these efforts, several challenges persist:awazthevoice.in+3Punjab News Express+3News from Manipur – Imphal Times+3
- Remaining Arms: A significant number of looted weapons are still unaccounted for, posing a continuous threat to peace and security in the region.Arunachal Observer+9The Siasat Daily+9HinduPost+9
- Ethnic Tensions: The underlying ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities continue to fuel unrest, making disarmament and reconciliation efforts more complex.Ommcom News+2The Siasat Daily+2Ommcom News+2
Conclusion
The recent recovery of arms, ammunition, and stolen vehicles in Manipur underscores the relentless efforts of security forces to restore peace and order in the state. While significant progress has been made, the path to lasting peace requires sustained efforts in disarmament, addressing ethnic tensions, and promoting dialogue among communities.Northeast Live+4Northeast Today+4awazthevoice.in+4
FAQs
- What prompted the recent search operations in Manipur?
- The operations were initiated to recover looted and illegally held weapons following ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities that began in May 2023.Ommcom News+5The Siasat Daily+5Punjab News Express+5
- How many weapons have been recovered so far?
- As of March 6, 2025, over 1,020 weapons have been surrendered, with additional arms recovered during subsequent search operations.Ommcom News
- What types of weapons were seized during the operations?
- The recovered arsenal includes INSAS rifles, carbines, pistols, improvised mortars, IEDs, grenades, and various types of ammunition.Ommcom News+3Arunachal Observer+3awazthevoice.in+3
- Were any stolen vehicles recovered during the operations?
- Yes, security forces recovered stolen vehicles, including Maruti Swift models, from Ushoipokpi along NH-102 in Thoubal District.News from Manipur – Imphal Times
- What measures are being taken to prevent further illegal activities in Manipur?
- Authorities are intensifying security measures, conducting continuous search operations, and promoting dialogue between communities to restore peace and prevent further illegal activities.
