IMPHAL : In a major breakthrough against insurgent activity, security forces in Manipur conducted two large-scale operations across the districts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, leading to the seizure of a high-calibre improvised rocket and a significant cache of assorted arms and explosives.
The coordinated operations were carried out on Tuesday, with details reported by police and news agency PTI on Wednesday.
Churachandpur: Improvised Long-Range Rocket Seized
The most alarming discovery was made during an operation in Gelmol village, Churachandpur district.
- An improvised long-range rocket loaded with nearly 40 kg of explosive was recovered.
- Security forces also seized a rocket launching stand and a battery associated with the weapon, suggesting it was prepared for potential deployment.
Kangpokpi: Extensive Arms Stockpile Uncovere
A separate and extensive operation in the Kangpokpi district resulted in the recovery of a substantial arms cache from multiple locations, underscoring the severity of the security challenges in the region.
Initial Cache Recovery (Near Songlung Village):
The first recovery included:
- A German rifle
- Two bolt-action rifles
- Four pull mechanism rifles
- An improvised mortar
- Two hand grenades
- Detonators and a radio set
Additional Weapons in Gelbung Jungle:
Further combing operations in the Gelbung jungle yielded more sophisticated and country-made weaponry, including:
- A CMG carbine
- A .303 rifle
- Two pistols
- Nine bolt-action rifles
- Three pieces of plastic explosives
- One country-made SBBL (Single Barrel Breech Loading) gun
- A local-made grenade
- Two handsets (communication devices)
Security Escalation Concerns
The sheer volume and destructive potential of the recovered materials—especially the 40kg improvised rocket point to increasing security concerns. The military and local police forces continue to intensify their coordinated cordon-and-search and area domination operations to track down armed groups and counter ongoing insurgent activity in the region’s peripheral zones.
The significant size of this arms cache further emphasizes the challenges faced by security agencies in stabilising the situation and curbing the flow of illegal and improvised weaponry in the conflict-affected areas of Manipur
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