Security forces in Manipur’s Imphal East district have recovered a significant cache of illegal weapons and explosives during search operations in Nungbram and Lairok Vaiphei villages, raising concerns about regional security.The recovered items include a 7.62mm Russian RPD machine gun, a 5.56mm INSAS rifle, a 0.32 pistol with its magazine, and a variety of explosives such as a 2-inch mortar and a 2.5 kg explosive device. Additionally, several hand grenades, including No. 36 and WP types, were seized, along with two wireless radio sets suspected to be linked to insurgent activities.
The operation also uncovered a substantial quantity of ammunition, including live rounds for both the 7.62mm and 5.56mm firearms, improvised mortar shells, and heavy artillery shells. This discovery highlights the growing concerns about illegal armament activities in the region. This operation is part of a broader effort by security forces to secure vulnerable areas in Manipur, which has faced insurgency-related issues in the past.
In a related operation on December 17, a joint team from the Indian Army and Manipur Police successfully recovered five improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the Maphitel Ridge area of Imphal East. Acting on specific intelligence, the forces unearthed 21.5 kilograms of IEDs across several locations. The operation was assisted by Eva, an explosive detection dog, and the Army’s bomb disposal squad, ensuring the safe removal of the explosives.
