203 Weapons Seized in Massive Manipur Crackdown Across Hill Districts

Imphal, July 4, 2025:
In one of the largest arms recoveries in recent times, security forces in Manipur seized a total of 203 illegal weapons during a sweeping coordinated operation carried out from the night of July 3 to the morning of July 4. The joint crackdown spanned across four violence-affected hill districts: Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, Chandel, and Churachandpur.

The operation was launched based on actionable intelligence inputs indicating the presence of hidden weapon stockpiles in interior and vulnerable locations. Multiple forces, including the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, Indian Army, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), participated in the mission, conducting simultaneous raids on suspected hideouts.

The recovered cache included a wide range of arms: INSAS and AK-series rifles, SLRs, sniper rifles, carbines, PT 303 rifles, M79 grenade launchers, scoped rifles, pistols (including country-made variants), bolt-action rifles, and assault weapons. Additionally, 51 mm mortars, MA rifles, single-shot guns, and muzzle-loaded firearms were discovered during the operation.

In addition to the firearms, significant quantities of ammunition and explosives were also seized. These included 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm rounds, grenades, IEDs, lathode shells, and pompi shells, all pointing to the presence of well-armed groups in the region.

Manipur Police termed the success a crucial step in restoring peace and security amid ongoing tensions. Authorities urged residents to stay vigilant and report any information on illegal weapons to nearby police units or the Central Control Room.

Senior officials emphasized that more such intelligence-driven operations are planned and that close coordination between agencies will continue to ensure the protection of life and property throughout Manipur.