Security forces recovered pistols, rifles, 12-bore guns, six hand grenades, cartridges, wireless sets and anti-riot material during a search operation in Ava-Ching area in Manipur's Imphal East district. The investigation into the case is ongoing and the source of the seizures is being ascertained.
Imphal: Security forces have recovered a huge cache of arms, ammunition, grenades and wireless sets during a search operation in Imphal East district of Manipur. The recovery was made under Poronmpat police station in Ava-Ching area. The officials have taken possession of the recovered goods and started investigating the case.
Search operation in Ava-Ching area
Security forces found a huge cache of weapons and explosive material during a search operation in Manipur's Imphal East district. This action was taken in Ava-Ching area under the jurisdiction of Poronmpat police station. Security forces launched a search operation following information about suspicious activities in the area, during which various types of weapons and other military use material were recovered.
The recovery included pistols, rifles, guns, hand grenades, wireless sets and cartridges of various calibres. A detailed list of recovered material is being prepared by the security forces. However, as per available information, there was no immediate confirmation of arrest or detention of any person during the operation.
Many types of weapons recovered
During the search, security forces found a .32 pistol with a magazine. Apart from this, two 12-bore double barrel guns and 13 single barrel 12-bore guns were also recovered. A .22 rifle with a magazine and telescope was also found.
Apart from this, two 9 mm pistols and their magazines were also recovered. The recovery of such a large number of different types of weapons is being considered important for the security agencies, as it can increase the scope of investigation regarding the presence of weapons in the area and the possible supply network.
The security forces have taken the recovered weapons into safe custody. Now the investigating agencies will try to find out for what purpose these weapons were kept in the area and whether they are related to any organized network or armed group or not.
Six hand grenades and detonators found
Six hand grenades were also recovered along with the weapons. Detonators were also found with them. Apart from this, three anti-riot grenades, rubber bullets and tear gas shells were also found by the security forces.
In view of the presence of explosive material, security agencies are investigating the nature of the recovered material and its possible use. In such cases, security forces usually conduct forensic examination of the recovered explosives and weapons to obtain important clues regarding their source and use.
However, which people or organizations are responsible behind this recovery has not been officially confirmed yet. Security agencies have also not put forward the name of any group in this regard.
Wireless set and cartridges also recovered
Security forces also found three Baofeng wireless sets during the operation. The recovery of wireless communication equipment is also being considered important from the investigation point of view. Investigators can find out how these devices were being used and whether they were used to connect members of a network.
Apart from this, 14 cartridges of different caliber were also recovered. The types of cartridges and their possible relationship with the weapons can also be examined.
The security agencies will endeavor to trace the origin of the recovered arms and ammunition along with recording them on record. If identification of the weapons or their connection to an earlier case comes to light, it may help in furthering the investigation.
Action amid security arrangements in Manipur
In Manipur, security agencies have been conducting search and investigation operations in sensitive areas for some time. The purpose of such operations is to detect the presence of illegal weapons and prevent potential violent activities.
The discovery of a cache of weapons in a sensitive district like Imphal East raises many questions before the security agencies. It will be especially important to find out when and how the weapons were delivered there and for what purpose they were kept hidden.
However, it would not be appropriate to hold any particular organization or individual responsible merely on the basis of recovery of weapons. Only further investigation and official report into the matter will confirm the source of the recovery and possible criminal or militant connections.
Important facts may come to light in further investigation
The recovered weapons, grenades, cartridges and wireless devices can be used for investigation. Apart from their forensic examination, security agencies can further investigation on the basis of local level interrogation and other intelligence information.
According to officials, detailed information related to the recovery is not available yet. It has also not been clarified whether the security forces found any other important material during the operation.
Further action in the matter will be taken by the concerned security and police agencies. If the investigation reveals any connection of the weapons with any criminal network, armed group or previous violent incidents, then further legal action can be taken on that basis.
At present, this recovery in Imphal East has emerged as an important operation for the security forces. After the recovery of a large number of weapons, grenades and communication equipment, security agencies are keeping an eye on the movement of weapons and possible networks in the area.