Security forces recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition during a three-day operation in Kangpokpi district, though no militants were arrested.
Imphal, June 22: A joint team of security forces recovered a significant cache of weapons, ammunition and other war-like stores during a three-day operation conducted in several villages of Kangpokpi district based on intelligence inputs regarding the presence of armed militants.
The operation was jointly carried out by personnel of the Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Rapid Action Force (RAF), Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) and the Indian Army.
According to police sources, the operation was launched on June 20 in the general areas of Leilon Vaiphei, Leilon Munlui, Molhoi, P. Moulding, Leilon Khunou and surrounding localities following specific intelligence regarding the presence of armed militants in the area.
During the course of the operation, security forces reportedly came under fire from suspected militants, leading to an exchange of gunfire. However, officials have not reported any casualties among the security personnel. The search and combing operation continued through June 21 and June 22, resulting in the recovery of a large quantity of arms and ammunition from different locations.
Based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of armed militants, a joint operation was launched by Manipur Police, CRPF, RAF, CoBRA, and the Army in the general areas of Leilon Vaiphei, Leilon Munlui, Molhoi, P. Moulding, Leilon Khunou, and surrounding areas on… pic.twitter.com/c3nwrm1ujJ
— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) June 22, 2026
Among the items recovered were 17 single and double-barrel guns, eight sophisticated weapons, including two AK-47 assault rifles, one M4 Carbine, two Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), one SKS rifle and one improvised sniper rifle chambered in .303 calibre.
Security forces also recovered 11 Single Barrel Loading (SBL) rifles during the operation.
In addition to the firearms, assorted ammunition, communication equipment and other war-like stores were seized.
Officials described the recovery as a significant haul, reflecting the presence of a substantial stockpile of weapons in the area.
Despite the recovery of the arms cache, no militants have been arrested or apprehended so far. Security agencies are continuing investigations to identify those linked to the recovered weapons and to trace the militants believed to have been operating in the region.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to locate illegal arms and curb militant activities in vulnerable areas of Manipur amid the continuing security challenges faced by the state.
Authorities have not disclosed the exact quantity of ammunition recovered or whether additional operations will be conducted in nearby areas. However, officials indicated that security forces remain on alert and that follow-up operations may continue based on intelligence inputs.
The latest seizure comes amid intensified search operations across several districts of Manipur aimed at recovering illegal weapons and restoring normalcy in areas affected by prolonged unrest.
