Imphal, July 6: Security forces recovered 64 weapons, explosives and a large quantity of war-like stores while apprehending three militants during a series of intelligence-based joint operations conducted across six districts of Manipur over the past week.
The operations were carried out between June 29 and July 5 by formations of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles under the Spear Corps, in close coordination with the Manipur Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
According to defence officials, the coordinated operations were launched on the basis of specific intelligence inputs in both the hill and valley districts of Jiribam, Chandel, Kangpokpi, Bishnupur, Thoubal and Kakching.
During the operations, security forces apprehended three active cadres linked to insurgent outfits. The arrested militants have been handed over to the Manipur Police for further investigation and legal action.
Officials said the joint teams also recovered 64 weapons, along with explosives, ammunition and other war-like stores concealed at various locations. The recoveries are being viewed as a major success in ongoing efforts to curb insurgent activities and disrupt militant infrastructure in the violence-hit state.
The seized cache included a mix of sophisticated and country-made firearms, ammunition and explosive material, significantly reducing the operational capability of armed groups active in the region.
The Indian Army said the operations reflect the close synergy between the Army, Assam Rifles, Manipur Police and CRPF in maintaining peace and security across the state. Intelligence-based, coordinated operations have been intensified in recent months to dismantle militant networks, recover illegally held weapons and prevent violence.
Security officials said such operations will continue across sensitive areas of Manipur to ensure a secure environment and strengthen law and order.
The recovered arms, explosives and other war-like stores have been handed over to the police for further investigation, while efforts are underway to identify the insurgent groups linked to the seized weapons and trace their supply network.
