Manipur Police recovered 29 firearms along with a large cache of ammunition during a search operation conducted in Imphal East district as part of ongoing efforts to curb the circulation of illegal weapons and strengthen security in the state. The operation was carried out in coordination with security agencies following intelligence inputs, leading to the seizure of a significant quantity of arms and ammunition from suspected locations.
Officials said the recovery is part of the government’s continued drive to trace and confiscate illegally held weapons, particularly in areas that have witnessed security concerns over the past several months. The operation reflects the sustained efforts of law enforcement agencies to restore normalcy and maintain public order across Manipur.
Intelligence-based search leads to major recovery
According to police officials, the search operation was launched based on specific intelligence regarding the presence of illegal arms in certain locations of Imphal East district. Teams conducted extensive searches in suspected hideouts and recovered a total of 29 firearms along with a substantial quantity of ammunition.
Authorities said the recovered weapons included different types of firearms commonly used in armed activities. The cache also contained various rounds of ammunition and other related items that have been taken into police custody for further examination.
Officials noted that every recovered weapon will undergo forensic and ballistic analysis to determine whether it had been used in any previous criminal or violent incidents.
Operation aimed at strengthening public security
Police stated that the recovery forms part of a larger campaign to remove illegal arms from public circulation and prevent their misuse. Security agencies have been conducting regular search operations across vulnerable districts in Manipur to identify hidden weapons and dismantle illegal stockpiles.
Officials said the presence of unauthorized firearms poses a serious threat to public safety and can contribute to violence if left unchecked. Therefore, intelligence-led operations are being intensified to ensure that such weapons are recovered before they can be used for unlawful activities.
The latest seizure is considered a significant success in the ongoing efforts to enhance security across the state.
Large cache of ammunition seized
Along with the firearms, police recovered a considerable quantity of ammunition during the operation. Officials said the ammunition has been safely secured and documented as part of the investigation.
While authorities have not disclosed the exact breakdown of the ammunition recovered, they confirmed that the seizure includes multiple rounds compatible with the firearms found during the search.
The recovered materials will be examined by experts as investigators continue efforts to establish their origin and possible links to criminal or insurgent activities.
Investigation underway
Police have launched a detailed investigation to determine the ownership and source of the recovered firearms and ammunition. Officials are examining whether the seized weapons are connected to any ongoing criminal cases or incidents of violence reported in the state.
Investigators are also analysing intelligence inputs and forensic evidence to identify individuals or groups responsible for storing the weapons. Authorities said further operations may be conducted if additional leads emerge during the course of the investigation.
The police have not ruled out the possibility of more recoveries as the probe progresses.
Continued crackdown on illegal weapons
The recovery in Imphal East comes amid sustained efforts by security agencies to recover illegal arms across Manipur. Over recent months, law enforcement agencies have intensified search operations, vehicle checks, and intelligence-based raids in several districts to reduce the availability of unauthorized weapons.
Officials have repeatedly appealed to the public to voluntarily surrender illegally possessed firearms, warning that strict legal action will be taken against those found in unlawful possession of arms.
The government has maintained that recovering illegal weapons remains essential for improving the overall security situation and fostering long-term peace in the state.
Security agencies maintain coordinated approach
Police said the successful operation was carried out through close coordination among different security agencies operating in the region. Joint planning, intelligence sharing, and coordinated field operations have enabled authorities to locate concealed weapons more effectively.
Officials added that such cooperation will continue as part of broader efforts to prevent unlawful activities and maintain peace in sensitive areas.
The administration has reiterated its commitment to strengthening law enforcement capabilities while ensuring that operations are conducted in accordance with established legal procedures.
Public urged to cooperate with authorities
Following the recovery, police appealed to citizens to support security efforts by sharing information regarding illegal arms or suspicious activities. Authorities said public cooperation plays a crucial role in helping law enforcement agencies identify hidden weapon caches and prevent criminal activities.
Residents have been encouraged to report credible information through official channels, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
Police also urged individuals still possessing unauthorized firearms to surrender them voluntarily in accordance with government directives.
Recovery reinforces ongoing security efforts
The seizure of 29 firearms and a large cache of ammunition in Imphal East marks another significant development in Manipur’s ongoing campaign against illegal weapons. Officials believe such recoveries will contribute to improving the state’s security environment by reducing the circulation of unauthorized arms.
As investigations continue, security agencies have reaffirmed their resolve to intensify intelligence-based operations, recover more illegal weapons, and ensure that those responsible for possessing or storing them unlawfully are brought to justice. The latest operation underscores the authorities’ continued focus on maintaining law and order while working toward lasting peace and stability in Manipur.