Security forces recovered a significant cache of arms, ammunition and explosives during separate operations carried out in Imphal West and Churachandpur districts over the past two days.

On February 27, security personnel conducted a search operation at Sangaithel Makha Leikai under Patsoi Police Station in Imphal West district. During the operation, the team recovered one modified .303 rifle without magazine, two locally made bolt-action single barrel guns, four pistols each with a magazine, two No.36 HE grenades without detonators, and one HE bomb.

The security forces also seized 15 rounds of .303 ammunition along with three charger clips, eight .303 blank cartridges, one SLR blank cartridge, one bulletproof vest fitted with two iron plates, two camouflage helmets and three bags from the area.

In a separate operation on February 26, security forces recovered arms and ammunition from the forest area of Thinghijang village under Churachandpur Police Station in Churachandpur district.

The recovered items included one AK-47 rifle with magazine, three single barrel guns, one bolt-action single barrel gun, and one bolt-action sniper rifle fitted with a scope.

Additionally, seven fired cases of 7.62 mm ammunition and two SLR magazines were also seized during the operation.

Security forces have intensified search operations in vulnerable and fringe areas as part of ongoing efforts to maintain law and order in the state.