Security forces in Manipur seized 32 weapons, along with a significant cache of ammunition and war-like stores, during a series of joint operations conducted between March 22 and 25 across multiple districts.

The crackdown, involving the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, and other agencies, targeted Kakching, Imphal East, Imphal West, Senapati, and Bishnupur districts, reflecting a renewed push to curb illegal arms proliferation in the strife-torn state.

The haul included an improvised mortar, a modified .303 sniper rifle, a carbine machine gun, four bolt-action rifles, two single-barrel rifles, a .22 rifle, a 12-bore double-barrel rifle, a 9mm pistol, a .32 pistol, an AK-47, and four 51mm mortars, among others. Grenades, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and various ammunition rounds were also recovered.

Operations on March 22 in Kakching yielded a .303 rifle and mortars, while March 24 efforts in Imphal East netted a 2-inch mortar and a .32 pistol. The following day, Bishnupur saw the seizure of an AK-47 and additional rifles.

This follows months of ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which has claimed over 250 lives since May 2023 and displaced thousands. Amid President’s Rule imposed in February 2025, authorities have intensified arms recovery efforts, with over 300 weapons surrendered earlier this month after a public appeal by Governor AK Bhalla.

The recovered items have been handed over to Manipur Police, underscoring ongoing efforts to restore peace in the region.