Imphal, August 25: Security forces recovered 16 guns, more than 1,200 rounds of ammunition and communication equipment during a cordon-and-search operation in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district over the past 24 hours, officials said.
The operation was conducted at J Songtun village by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), supported by CoBRA and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel, along with Manipur Police.
The seized weapons included two country-made 12-bore guns and 14 other 12-bore firearms bearing serial numbers and licence markings of different manufacturers. Their ownership and documentation are being verified.
The joint team also recovered 1,225 rounds of 12-bore ammunition, six VHF or wireless sets, three chargers, a Golden Antler telescope, 18 bulletproof vests and a pouch.
Officials said the search was carried out without any escalation during its main phase.
However, as the security personnel began withdrawing from the village, a group of residents, predominantly women, allegedly blocked the road with stones and demanded the return of the seized weapons and ammunition.
Security forces dispersed the obstruction through what officials described as “measured action”, preventing the situation from escalating further. No injuries were reported.
The recovery comes amid an intensified campaign to remove unauthorised weapons from circulation in Manipur, where large quantities of firearms were looted from police armouries following the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023.
