Security forces recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition and explosives and arrested two militants in separate operations across Manipur, police said on February 3, amid continued security concerns in the violence-hit state.

According to the police, a search operation conducted near Bongmol and SL Zougam villages in Tengnoupal district led to the recovery of warlike stores. The seized items included one AK-47 rifle with a magazine, two pistols, two single-barrel rifles, 11 live rounds of ammunition, three radio communication sets and IED wires.

Police said security personnel also safely disposed of 18 improvised explosive devices at the spot after their recovery, thereby averting a potential threat to civilians and security forces operating in the area. Describing the seizure as significant, the police said the operation marked an important step towards curbing militant activities in the sensitive border district.

In a separate development, two militants belonging to different proscribed outfits were arrested in Imphal West district. A cadre of the banned People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was apprehended on Monday from his residence at Lambal Awang Leikai, police said. In another operation, a member of the outlawed Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) was arrested on Sunday from Mayang Imphal.

Manipur has been reeling under ethnic violence since May 3, 2023, following a tribal solidarity march in the hill districts opposing the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The prolonged unrest has claimed at least 260 lives, including members of the Meitei and Kuki communities as well as security personnel, and has displaced thousands of people.

The state has remained under President’s Rule since February last year, with security forces continuing intensified operations to recover illegal arms and prevent further escalation of violence.