Manipur Forces Seize 328 Firearms in Major Raids
In a sweeping counterinsurgency effort, security forces in Manipur recovered a massive cache of firearms and ammunition in coordinated overnight raids across five districts of the Imphal Valley. Conducted during the night of June 13–14, the operations involved combined teams from the Manipur Police, Indian Army, Central Armed Police Forces, and Assam Rifles, acting on intelligence inputs about hidden weapon stockpiles linked to armed groups operating in the region.
Weapons and Ammunition Recovered
The raids yielded a significant haul of military-grade weaponry and explosives, including:
- 328 firearms, such as:
- 151 self-loading rifles (SLRs)
- 65 INSAS rifles
- 73 other rifles
- 5 carbines, 2 MP5 submachine guns
- 12 light machine guns (LMGs), 6 AK-series rifles
- 2 Amogh rifles, 1 AR-15
- 6 pistols, 1 mortar, and 2 flare guns
Additionally, the security forces seized:
- Approximately 7,000 rounds of ammunition, including SLR, INSAS, .303, AK-series, and 9mm cartridges
- 10 grenades, 3 lathode shells, 7 detonators
- Numerous magazines and other warlike stores
Authorities described the seizure as one of the largest in recent memory, with the weapons believed to have been hidden for future insurgent use or inter-factional violence.
Strategic Impact of the Raids
The targeted raids were carried out in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching—districts that have seen heightened tensions and sporadic violence in the wake of ongoing ethnic unrest. Officials believe the operation has dealt a major blow to illegal arms networks operating in the Imphal Valley.
This comes on the heels of a previous crackdown conducted between May 26 and June 5, during which 23 active militants were arrested and several IEDs and arms were confiscated. The recent operation further signals a coordinated and escalating effort by security forces to neutralize armed threats in both valley and hill regions.
Context and Security Implications
Manipur has remained volatile since the outbreak of ethnic clashes in May 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki communities, resulting in over 250 deaths and mass displacement of civilians. The presence of sophisticated firearms in civilian areas has been a critical factor in prolonging the unrest and disrupting peace-building efforts.
Officials emphasized that such weapon recoveries are essential to restoring normalcy and ensuring long-term peace. Security forces are expected to continue their intensified crackdown, with a renewed focus on intelligence-led operations to dismantle insurgent infrastructure.
Citizens have been urged to remain vigilant and assist law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities. The latest seizures underscore the challenges ahead but also reflect a decisive push by the state to reclaim stability in a region long marred by armed conflict.
