The crackdown targeted key locations in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur, based on specific intelligence.
BY PC Bureau
July 27, 2025: – In a major offensive against the proliferation of illegal weapons, security forces in Manipur recovered a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives during a series of coordinated raids across several valley districts. The operations were launched in the early hours of July 26 based on precise intelligence inputs.
Inspector General of Police (Zone-II) K. Kabib, addressing a press conference at the Police Headquarters on Saturday, said the crackdown was carried out jointly by the Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), and personnel from the Army and Assam Rifles. The targeted districts included Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur.
PRESS NOTE
Imphal, 26th July 2025 pic.twitter.com/CMtXqQD3C0— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) July 26, 2025
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The coordinated effort led to the seizure of a wide array of weapons. Among the recovered items were sophisticated assault rifles such as AK-series and M16 models, along with standard-issue INSAS rifles and light machine guns. The security teams also recovered several older firearms including Self-Loading Rifles, .303 rifles, and pistols of various makes. Additionally, a large number of carbines, bore action guns, anti-riot guns, lathode guns, and two-inch mortars were found hidden across multiple locations. Authorities also uncovered a locally fabricated pipe gun, underlining the scale and diversity of illegal arms in circulation.
VIDEO | Imphal: Large amount of arms, ammunitions and warlike materials were recovered in a joint operation of Manipur Police, CRPF, BSF, Assam Rifles and the Army in the valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur. The operation was conducted… pic.twitter.com/DwPLLTJl7E
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 26, 2025
In terms of explosives and heavy weaponry, the forces recovered hand grenades, a high-explosive mortar shell, tube launchers, and several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). These materials were believed to be stored for use in coordinated attacks or acts of sabotage.
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The ammunition haul was equally extensive, including hundreds of rounds for AK and INSAS rifles, as well as bullets for .303, 9mm, and .32 caliber firearms. Investigators also found dozens of weapon magazines, suggesting the arms were intended for operational readiness rather than mere storage.
Alongside the physical weaponry, the forces also recovered a collection of wireless handsets. These are suspected to have been used for maintaining communication among armed elements operating across the valley.
Describing the operation as a “significant achievement,” the Manipur Police emphasized that the seizure was a crucial step toward dismantling armed networks and restoring peace in the region. Officials reiterated the importance of public support in these efforts and urged residents to report any suspicious activity or information related to illegal arms movement or storage.
