Security forces recovered 67 weapons, including AK rifles and RPG-7 launcher, during joint operations in Manipur.
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IMPHAL — Security forces recovered 67 weapons, including AK series rifles, M-series rifles, INSAS LMG, pistols, sniper rifle, carbine, shotguns, mortars, RPG-7 launcher and a drone jammer, along with explosives and war-like stores during special operations in Manipur, police said on Thursday.
The recovered weapons included 27 AK series rifles, 11 M-series rifles, nine single-barrel shotguns, four pistols, four double-barrel guns, and one each of a .22 rifle, carbine, air gun, gas gun and sniper rifle.
The cache also included two each of single-barrel mortars, 3-inch mortars and pump-action single-barrel guns, besides one RPG-7 launcher, ammunition and other incriminating items.
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Addressing a press conference attended by officers of the state police and central forces in Imphal on Thursday afternoon, Imphal West Superintendent of Police Ksh Shivakanta said Manipur Police launched a special operation at Lamdeng under Lamsang Police Station on May 20 based on credible information regarding the sale of looted arms and ammunition.
During the operation, two active cadres of the United National Liberation Front-Pambei (UNLF-P), H Thomas Singh (29) of Ayang Imphal Kokchai and A Tomtom Singh (29) of Lamsang Heibongpokpi Mayai Leikai, were apprehended along with one INSAS LMG, three INSAS LMG magazines and 14 live rounds, Shivakanta said.
While the arrest process was underway, associates of the cadres allegedly opened fire at the security forces, resulting in a brief exchange of fire.
Two more cadres allegedly involved in firing upon the security forces, identified as N Rakesh Singh and Ang Ch Mahesh Singh, were later apprehended, he said.
During preliminary interrogation, the arrested cadres allegedly disclosed that they had come to sell the seized weapons on the instruction of self-styled lance corporal N Bijoy alias Macha of UNLF-P.
They also allegedly admitted involvement in earlier sale of looted arms and ammunition, the SP added.
Following the disclosures, joint security forces comprising Manipur Police, Assam Rifles and CRPF conducted a cordon and search operation at an unauthorised UNLF-P camp at Lamdeng, where security forces recovered 29 weapons, including AK-series rifles, M-series rifles, pistols and other firearms.
On Thursday, the joint security forces recovered 38 additional weapons and heavy stores comprising AK series rifles, M-series rifle, carbine, shotguns, mortars, RPG-7 launcher, anti-drone jammer and explosives, said Imphal East Superintendent of Police Shivanand Surve, who was also present at the press conference.
Requesting the public to immediately report any information regarding looted or illegally possessed weapons to the nearest police station, the senior police officer said public cooperation was vital in maintaining peace, safety and security in the community.
“Together we can help ensure a safer environment for everyone,” he said.
In July last year, security forces recovered 90 weapons, including SLRs, INSAS rifles and AK series rifles, along with war-like stores during operations across five valley districts of Manipur.