16-militants-held-in-manipur-arms-seizure-drive

Security forces have arrested 16 militants and seized 17 weapons during a series of joint operations across multiple districts in Manipur, officials said Monday.

 

A Defence Ministry spokesperson said the Army, in coordination with the Assam Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Manipur Police, carried out coordinated operations over the past few days.

 

The operations led to the recovery of 17 firearms, 17 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), several grenades, a large quantity of ammunition, and other war-like stores.

 

The recoveries were made in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Tengnoupal, Chandel and Senapati districts, spanning both the valley and the hilly regions of the northeastern state.

 

Officials said the 16 apprehended militants belong to various banned outfits, including the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP). Intelligence-led operations were launched in both hill and valley regions to track down the suspects.

 

Among the recovered items were AK-series rifles, INSAS rifles, carbines, self-loading rifles, modified .303 rifles, bolt-action single barrel rifles, and .22 calibre rifles.

 

The arrested individuals and recovered weapons have been handed over to Manipur Police, the Defence spokesperson said.

 

“These joint operations underscore the sustained commitment of the security forces to maintain peace and stability in the state,” the spokesperson added.

 

Meanwhile, police said three stolen vehicles were recovered in the past 24 hours as part of a continuing special drive against theft. The campaign, launched on 16 April, targets the recovery of stolen and snatched vehicles reported amid ongoing ethnic unrest in the state.

 

Since the drive began, over 155 cars and 30 two-wheelers have been recovered from various locations.

 

Search operations and area domination patrols continue across fringe and vulnerable areas in both hill and valley districts as the security forces aim to restore normalcy following violence that erupted on 3 May 2023.