Security forces have arrested one individual and recovered a cache of illegal firearms and ammunition during separate operations in Churachandpur, Bishnupur, and Imphal East districts, police said on Friday.

In Imphal East district, a person identified as Thokchom Rajesh Meitei (41) was arrested from Bamon Kampu Makha Leikai. One .32 pistol with a magazine and two live rounds were seized from his possession.

In a major recovery, security forces discovered a large cache of arms from the forest area of Maovom village under Churachandpur Police Station on Thursday. The recovered items include one country-made AK rifle with magazine, one lathode gun, four country-made pistols with magazines, three country-made single-barrel rifles, one country-made Sten carbine, and four Pumpis of various sizes. Ammunition, military gear such as a bulletproof jacket, helmet, a Baofeng walkie-talkie set (without antenna), and a pair of jungle boots were also seized.

Another operation in Wangoo Naodakhong area of Bishnupur district on Thursday led to the recovery of one .32 pistol, two empty magazines, and two live rounds of .32 mm ammunition.

Security forces continue to carry out intensive search and area domination operations in fringe and vulnerable areas across the state.