In a series of meticulously coordinated operations, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles, in collaboration with Manipur Police, have recovered a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and war-like stores (WLS) from various regions of Manipur. These operations, conducted in the districts of Churachandpur, Chandel, Kangpokpi, and Imphal East, underline the ongoing security challenges and the authorities’ sustained efforts to combat insurgent activities.
The series of recoveries began on December 7, 2024, in the general area of L. Jangnomphai, where joint forces of Assam Rifles and Manipur Police, acting on credible intelligence, seized:
• A sniper rifle
• A 0.22 pistol
• Two 9mm pistols
• A 7.65mm pistol
• A .303 bolt-action rifle
• Grenades and assorted ammunition
This marked the beginning of a systematic crackdown that continued over the following days.
On December 10, 2024, security forces achieved another breakthrough near Tingkhai Khullen, approximately 10.5 kilometers southwest of Kotlen Village. Here, they recovered:
• A 9mm Carbine Machine Gun (CMG)
• A .303 single-bolt sniper rifle
• A 9mm pistol
• Grenades and war-like stores
The operations intensified in Chandel district on December 11, 2024, where Assam Rifles and Manipur Police conducted an extensive search and recovered:
• An AK-47 rifle
• A 9mm pistol
• Three locally-made mortars
• A single-barrel gun
• Ammunition and related stores
The largest haul came during coordinated searches between December 11 and 12, 2024, in Telsing and Laijang villages of Churachandpur district. The recovered items included:
• A .303 rifle
• A 9mm pistol
• Four factory-made 12mm single-barrel rifles
• A .22 rifle
• A 12mm shotgun
• An MA-1 (MK-I) assault rifle
• An air gun
• Ammunition and war-like stores
The final operation occurred on December 13, 2024, in the fringe areas under the jurisdiction of Irilbung Police Station in Imphal East. Forces recovered:
• A 5.56mm MA 4 assault rifle
• A single-barrel rifle
• Two pistols
• Grenades and ammunition
Questions Arise: What Is Driving This Build-Up?
While the successful operations reflect the unwavering vigilance of security forces, the sheer volume and variety of weapons raise pressing concerns about the underlying factors contributing to their presence in these regions. Questions arise about:
1. The origin of these weapons – Are these locally fabricated, smuggled, or remnants from past conflicts?
2. The role of insurgent groups – Given Manipur’s history of ethnic tensions and insurgent activity, do these recoveries signal renewed efforts to arm specific factions?
3. Involvement of external elements – Are there cross-border implications, considering Manipur’s proximity to Myanmar?
Authorities remain tight-lipped regarding the source of these weapons, emphasizing instead the success of inter-agency coordination. These operations indeed demonstrate the seamless synergy between the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and Manipur Police. Such recoveries are vital for ensuring peace and stability in the region.
However, observers argue that the repeated recoveries in sensitive areas like Churachandpur, Chandel, and Imphal East suggest deeply entrenched networks facilitating the flow of illegal arms.
The recoveries, while significant, are a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges facing Manipur. Experts call for enhanced intelligence sharing, stricter border monitoring, and development initiatives to address the root causes of unrest.
Meanwhile, residents in affected areas remain wary. A local from Chandel, speaking anonymously, stated:
“We want peace, but every time weapons are found, it makes us question how much danger still lingers around us.”
As security forces continue their efforts, the focus now shifts to identifying those responsible for stockpiling these arms and ensuring long-term stability in the region. The ongoing operations are likely far from over, with more recoveries anticipated in the future.