Security forces in Manipur recovered a cache of arms and explosives, including a 4 kg Improvised Explosive Device (IED), following a brief exchange of fire with suspected militants in Churachandpur district.

According to official sources, the incident occurred around 11:40 pm on March 25 when suspected militants opened fire from Phouljang/Gothol and nearby hillocks. Stray bullets reportedly landed close to a security forces camp at Phougakchao Awang Leikai, prompting an immediate retaliatory response. The exchange lasted only a few minutes, with no casualties reported on either side.

Subsequently, from the early hours of March 26, combined teams launched extensive search operations in the firing zones and adjoining hill areas. In S Nabil and Loilamkot under Churachandpur Police Station, security personnel recovered two single-barrel rifles, five rounds of 12-bore ammunition, one handmade grenade, one PEK bomb, one cordex-initiated cylindrical IED weighing approximately 4 kg, two 40 mm bombs, two pompies, and two 30 mm grenades.

In a separate operation on March 25, security forces arrested an active cadre of the Kuki National Front (KNF). The individual, identified as Jamtinlen Haokip (34) from K Salbung village, was apprehended from the Tuibong area under Churachandpur Police Station. A 9 mm pistol along with a magazine was seized from his possession.

Meanwhile, in a continued crackdown on illegal fortifications, security forces dismantled as many as 52 bunkers on March 26 at Mahadev Thoyee ridge and Zalengbung ridge in Ukhrul district.

Security operations in the region remain ongoing as forces intensify efforts to restore normalcy and curb militant activities.