Security forces have recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition and military-grade equipment during a joint counter-insurgency operation carried out across several hill areas of Kangpokpi district in Manipur over the last three days. According to Manipur Police, the operation was launched on June 20 based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of armed militants in the areas of Leilon Vaiphei, Leilon Munlui, Molhoi, P. Moulding, Leilon Khunou and nearby locations. The operation involved personnel from the Manipur Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Rapid Action Force (RAF), the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) and the Indian Army. Security forces conducted coordinated search and combing operations across multiple locations in the district.
Police said the security team came under fire from suspected militants during the operation, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Despite resistance, the forces continued their searches on June 21 and 22, expanding the operation to several adjoining areas. During the operation, security personnel recovered a substantial quantity of weapons and ammunition. The seizure included 17 single and double-barrel guns and eight sophisticated firearms, comprising two AK-47 assault rifles, one M4 Carbine, two Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), one SKS rifle and one improvised sniper .303 rifle. Authorities also recovered 11 Single Barrel Loading (SBL) rifles. In addition to the firearms, security forces seized assorted ammunition, communication devices and other war-like stores from the operation sites.
Police officials described the recovery as a significant development in ongoing efforts to curb militant activities and recover illegal weapons from vulnerable areas of the state. Investigators are now examining the recovered items and working to identify the groups linked to the arms cache. The operation comes amid intensified security drives across Manipur, where authorities have been conducting sustained efforts to recover illegal arms and strengthen law and order in conflict-affected regions.
