Imphal, August 14: Security forces have recovered a large cache of firearms, magazines and live ammunition during a joint search operation in Manipur, in another significant recovery aimed at preventing the circulation and use of illegal weapons in the state.
The operation was conducted on August 14, 2026, by a joint team comprising personnel from the Manipur Police CDO Unit/Kakching, Arong Police Station and 46 Assam Rifles.
The security forces launched the search in the Double Khong Marifangbi canal area following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of concealed weapons and ammunition in the area.
Multiple Rifles and Over 2,000 Live Rounds Recovered
During the operation, the joint team recovered a substantial quantity of arms and ammunition, including both military-style weapons and locally used firearms.
The recovery comprised:
- 1 × 9mm pistol
- 1 × .303 LMG
- 3 × INSAS rifles
- 4 × single-barrel guns
- 30 magazines
- 2,156 live rounds of different calibres
- 157 empty cartridge cases
The recovery of more than 2,100 live rounds, along with several rifles and a light machine gun, makes the operation significant from a security perspective.
Joint Operation Based on Intelligence Inputs
The operation was launched after security agencies received intelligence regarding the concealment of weapons in the Double Khong Marifangbi canal area.
Police and Assam Rifles personnel subsequently conducted a coordinated search of the area, leading to the recovery of the concealed cache.
Such joint operations form an important part of the ongoing efforts by security agencies to locate hidden weapon stocks, recover illegal arms and prevent them from being used in further violence or criminal activities.
Investigation Underway
Following the recovery, security agencies are expected to investigate the source of the weapons and ammunition and the network involved in concealing them.
Investigators will also examine the markings and other identifying details on the recovered firearms and ammunition to determine their origin and possible previous use.
The presence of INSAS rifles, an LMG, a pistol, multiple magazines and a large quantity of ammunition is likely to be examined closely as part of the investigation.
Officials have not yet disclosed whether any arrests have been made in connection with the recovery.
Security Forces Maintain Vigilance in Manipur
The latest recovery comes amid continued security challenges in Manipur, where security forces have been conducting area-domination exercises, intelligence-based searches and joint operations to recover weapons and ammunition and maintain security.
Coordination between the Manipur Police and Central Armed Police and Assam Rifles units remains crucial in conducting searches across vulnerable and difficult terrain.
The recovery also highlights the importance of intelligence-based operations in identifying weapon caches before they can be accessed or moved.
Focus on Preventing Further Violence
Security agencies are continuing their efforts to strengthen surveillance and prevent the movement of illegal arms across sensitive areas.
The latest operation in Double Khong Marifangbi is being seen as another step towards denying armed groups access to weapons and ammunition and improving the overall security environment.
Further investigation is underway to establish the ownership, origin and intended use of the recovered weapons and ammunition.