In a significant move towards restoring peace, residents of Imphal West voluntarily surrendered a large cache of illegal arms and ammunition at Singjamei Police Station on February 24. The surrendered weapons included an SMC Carbine with a magazine, a double-barrel gun, a country-made rifle, a .32 pistol, multiple hand grenades, LMG and INSAS magazines, AK ammunition, stun grenades, and tear gas shells.
The voluntary handover of arms was also reported in Churachandpur and other areas, where locals turned in additional weapons. At Churachandpur Police Station, authorities received an SLR 7.62mm rifle with a magazine and three .303 rifles with magazines, signaling growing cooperation between residents and law enforcement agencies.
Meanwhile, Manipur Police and security forces ramped up search and seizure operations across both hill and valley districts, targeting areas with suspected illegal arms stockpiles.
During a raid at Leirongthel Pitra Foothills in Thoubal District, forces recovered:
An SLR rifle
Four SLR magazines
105 rounds of AK ammunition
142 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition
Three rounds of 5.56mm ammunition
Three rounds of .303 ammunition
Additionally, operations in Gamgiphai, located on the border of Kangpokpi and Imphal West Districts, resulted in the seizure of a Pompi gun (cannon) under the jurisdiction of Sapermeina Police Station, Kangpokpi District.
Authorities believe that these mass surrenders and intensified security crackdowns are crucial in curbing the proliferation of illegal arms and fostering stability in Manipur. The move is seen as a positive step towards disarmament and peacebuilding efforts in the conflict-affected region.
