Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal

Imphal, May 12: In a sweeping multi-agency crackdown, security forces have apprehended 16 militants and seized a cache of weapons and explosives across six districts in Manipur, officials said on Monday.

The joint operations, carried out by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, and Manipur Police, led to the recovery of 17 weapons, 17 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), grenades, and large quantities of ammunition and war-like materials from Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Tengnoupal, Chandel, and Senapati.

Among those arrested were members of various militant groups, including the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP). The seized arsenal includes AK-series rifles, INSAS rifles, carbines, modified .303 rifles, SLRs, bolt-action guns, and 22 rifles.

“All apprehended individuals and recovered arms have been handed over to Manipur Police,” said a Defence spokesperson, who lauded the coordinated effort as a reflection of the forces' commitment to restoring peace in the conflict-torn state.

In a parallel effort, police have recovered three more stolen vehicles in the past 24 hours as part of a special drive launched on April 16 to retrieve stolen or snatched vehicles. So far, over 155 stolen cars and 30 two-wheelers have been recovered.

The crackdown comes in the wake of continued ethnic violence in the state since May 2023. Security forces are maintaining active search and area domination operations in vulnerable hill and valley regions to deter further unrest.