Forces deployed in Manipur’s hill districts have recovered 155 illegal weapons and 1,652 rounds of ammunition. The seizure, which occurred during a special combing exercise, marks one of the largest arms recoveries in the conflict-ridden region in recent months.
The operation, carried out in the wake of continued ethnic unrest in the state, reflects the Centre’s growing push to stabilize law and order. The Manipur arms seizure has raised fresh concerns over the extent of armed mobilization in vulnerable zones.
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Arms Seized from Conflict Zones
Security personnel conducted the mission across multiple hill areas, including Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal districts. Officials revealed that the cache of arms included automatic rifles, locally modified guns, pistols, country-made weapons, and high-calibre ammunition.
Significantly, the recovery also included walkie-talkie sets, weapon accessories, and over two dozen grenades. Forces also dismantled several illegal bunkers believed to be in use by insurgent or miscreant groups.
According to sources, the Manipur arms seizure was the result of coordinated planning among the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Forces used surveillance drones and night-vision gear to pinpoint weapons storage sites.
Targeted Efforts to Restore Peace
A senior official involved in the operation said, “The goal is to restore peace by recovering arms that were looted or held illegally. The situation on the ground requires constant monitoring and rapid response.”
During the Manipur violence that erupted in May 2023, thousands of weapons were either stolen from police armouries or circulated through black markets. Authorities have faced criticism for their failure to retrieve them earlier.
While the government has managed to recover more than 1,400 weapons since last year, thousands are believed to be still missing. This latest Manipur arms seizure may help tip the balance in reducing armed threats in the region.
Community Cooperation Encouraged
State authorities have issued appeals to local communities to assist with the disarmament process. “We urge citizens to voluntarily surrender any arms they may have taken possession of during past incidents,” said an official from the Manipur Home Department.
To further this aim, security forces have promised that individuals surrendering weapons voluntarily will not face immediate legal consequences. Amnesty-like provisions have been included in special notifications to encourage maximum compliance.
Despite these incentives, mistrust continues among certain community factions. In several areas, residents argue that the state has failed to guarantee safety, leading them to retain arms as a form of self-defense.
Opposition Raises Accountability Concerns
The opposition has not remained silent. Several political leaders from the Congress and CPI have questioned how these weapons ended up in the hills in the first place.
A local Congress leader remarked, “The government must explain why security lapses keep happening. We’ve had arms looted from police stations and now hidden deep in forests. Who’s responsible?”
Furthermore, civil society groups have called for independent oversight into ongoing operations to prevent any misuse of power or targeted crackdowns.
Centre Pushes for Permanent Stability
Meanwhile, the Union Government has reiterated its commitment to long-term peace in Manipur. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to meet with Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh later this week to review the progress of disarmament.
The Manipur crisis, rooted in tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups, has already displaced over 60,000 people and led to over 200 deaths. The government now views the recovery of arms as a critical first step toward rebuilding trust.
Deployment Continues Across Sensitive Pockets
According to sources, more than 200 additional personnel from central forces have been stationed in the affected hill zones. Surveillance teams have also installed checkpoints at key entry and exit routes to prevent further transportation of illegal arms.
Drone surveillance and satellite mapping tools are being deployed extensively in forested regions. Additionally, joint command centers are operating round-the-clock to ensure coordination among different security wings.
Authorities clarified that similar operations will be conducted across other troubled regions in Manipur until all illicit weapons are recovered.
The Road Ahead
The successful Manipur arms seizure underscores the magnitude of the crisis still unfolding in the state. While this recovery is a promising development, experts agree that restoring peace will require more than weapons seizures.
Sociopolitical reconciliation, robust law enforcement, and inclusive dialogues with both tribal and valley communities must follow. Until then, operations like this remain essential in preventing further violence.
The people of Manipur, long exhausted by cycles of unrest, are watching closely—hoping that this operation signals a genuine move toward peace and safety.
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