Manipur Security Forces Recover Over 7,100 Weapons Since Outbreak of Ethnic Violence

Security agencies have seized a total of 7,119 weapons across Manipur since ethnic violence erupted on May 3, 2023, with a larger share of recoveries recorded in the valley districts, according to official data released by the Manipur Police.

Of the total arms recovered, 4,535 weapons were seized from valley areas, while 2,584 were recovered from hill districts. The operations were carried out jointly by the Manipur Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), paramilitary units, and the Army.

The pace of recovery operations intensified significantly after President’s Rule was imposed on February 13, following the resignation of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. During the initial six months of President’s Rule alone, security forces arrested 665 members and activists of armed outfits involved mainly in extortion activities. In the same period, 3,134 weapons were recovered—2,035 from valley districts and 1,099 from hill areas.

Overall figures show that valley districts account for nearly 63.7 per cent of the total weapons seized statewide, while hill districts account for about 36.3 per cent.

A similar trend has been observed in the recovery of ammunition. Out of 81,524 rounds seized so far, 67,909 rounds—over 83 per cent—were recovered from the valley, compared to 13,615 rounds from the hills.

Explosive recoveries also followed the same pattern. Of the 4,970 explosive items seized across Manipur, 3,642 (around 73.3 per cent) were recovered from valley districts, while 1,328 items (26.7 per cent) were seized from hill regions.

Officials said the sustained recovery of arms, ammunition, and explosives remains a critical part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the conflict-affected state.