Security forces recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition and explosives and arrested two militants in separate operations across Manipur, police said on February 3, as security agencies continued efforts to restore calm in the violence-affected state.
According to the police, the recovery of warlike stores was made during a search operation carried out in areas near Bongmol and SL Zougam villages in Tengnoupal district. Acting on specific inputs, security personnel conducted a thorough search of the area and seized several weapons and materials believed to be meant for militant use. The recovered items included one AK-47 rifle along with a magazine, two pistols, two single-barrel rifles, eleven live rounds of ammunition, three radio communication sets and wires used for improvised explosive devices.
Police said that during the same operation, security personnel detected and safely disposed of 18 improvised explosive devices at the site. The explosives were neutralised on the spot following standard safety procedures to prevent any danger to civilians or to forces operating in the area. Officials said the timely action helped avert possible loss of life and damage in the border district, which has remained sensitive due to past incidents.
In a statement, the police described the recovery as an important step towards reducing militant activity and improving security conditions in Tengnoupal district. Officials said search operations and area domination exercises are being carried out regularly to trace illegal arms and prevent their use.
In a separate development, police said two militants belonging to different banned outfits were arrested in Imphal West district in two operations conducted on different days. A cadre of the proscribed People’s Liberation Army was arrested on Monday from his residence at Lambal Awang Leikai. In another operation, a member of the outlawed Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup was arrested on Sunday from Mayang Imphal. The arrested individuals are being questioned as part of ongoing investigations, police said.
Manipur has been facing ethnic violence since May 3, 2023, which began after a tribal solidarity march in the hill districts opposing the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The prolonged unrest has resulted in at least 260 deaths, including members of both the Kuki and Meitei communities as well as security personnel, and has forced thousands of people to leave their homes.
