Weapons Recovered in Manipur: A Turning Point for Stability?
On June 14, 2025,
Manipur’s security forces achieved a major breakthrough in their ongoing mission to dismantle the proliferating arms network fueling ethnic violence. Across five districts in the Imphal Valley, joint raids led to the seizure of a massive cache of stolen firearms and ammunition—marking one of the largest arms recoveries since clashes erupted in May 2023.
According to official statements, a coordinated night-time operation between Manipur Police, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), the Indian Army, and Assam Rifles uncovered 328 firearms, including 151 self-loading rifles (SLRs), 65 INSAS rifles, six AK-series rifles, five carbines, two MP-5 submachine guns, 12 light machine guns, along with pistols, an AR-15, and even a mortar. The haul also included over 10,600 rounds of ammunition, 10 grenades, multiple magazines, flares, and detonators .
This seizure represents a substantial recovery effort amid ongoing ethnic strife between Meitei and Kuki communities. It is part of a wider initiative: since the unrest began, it is estimated that nearly 6,000 weapons have been looted from police armouries, although only a fraction has been retrieved.
ADGP Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo described the operation as "intelligence-led", emphasizing its precision amid sustained efforts to reestablish normalcy in five valley districts: Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching.
Reducing militant firepower: Restoring thousands of rounds and critical weaponry cuts major supply lines for armed groups.
Boosting community confidence: High-profile seizures may reassure civilians and deter further militant activity.
Encouraging public cooperation: Police are urging citizens to report hidden caches or illegal weapon hoarding.
Despite this remarkable recovery, a significant number of weapons remain unaccounted for. Many looted arms—even after official surrender drives—remain in civilian and militant hands. The real challenge lies in sustainable recovery and reducing root causes of the violence.
The seizure comes amid a broader crackdown: previous operations between May 26 and June 5 across hill and valley districts led to the arrest of at least 23 militants and recovery of IEDs, mortars, and additional firearms. The state remains under President’s Rule, with internet bans enforced to curb unrest.
The recovery of 328 firearms and over 10,000 rounds of ammunition marks a critical milestone in Manipur’s efforts to curb violence. It demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations, but also underlines the scale of the challenge ahead. With thousands of looted weapons still in circulation, sustained vigilance, robust community participation, and strategic disarmament are essential to forge a path toward lasting peace in the region.
Manipur’s security forces achieved a major breakthrough in their ongoing mission to dismantle the proliferating arms network fueling ethnic violence. Across five districts in the Imphal Valley, joint raids led to the seizure of a massive cache of stolen firearms and ammunition—marking one of the largest arms recoveries since clashes erupted in May 2023.
According to official statements, a coordinated night-time operation between Manipur Police, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), the Indian Army, and Assam Rifles uncovered 328 firearms, including 151 self-loading rifles (SLRs), 65 INSAS rifles, six AK-series rifles, five carbines, two MP-5 submachine guns, 12 light machine guns, along with pistols, an AR-15, and even a mortar. The haul also included over 10,600 rounds of ammunition, 10 grenades, multiple magazines, flares, and detonators .
This seizure represents a substantial recovery effort amid ongoing ethnic strife between Meitei and Kuki communities. It is part of a wider initiative: since the unrest began, it is estimated that nearly 6,000 weapons have been looted from police armouries, although only a fraction has been retrieved.
ADGP Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo described the operation as "intelligence-led", emphasizing its precision amid sustained efforts to reestablish normalcy in five valley districts: Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching.
Reducing militant firepower: Restoring thousands of rounds and critical weaponry cuts major supply lines for armed groups.
Boosting community confidence: High-profile seizures may reassure civilians and deter further militant activity.
Encouraging public cooperation: Police are urging citizens to report hidden caches or illegal weapon hoarding.
Despite this remarkable recovery, a significant number of weapons remain unaccounted for. Many looted arms—even after official surrender drives—remain in civilian and militant hands. The real challenge lies in sustainable recovery and reducing root causes of the violence.
The seizure comes amid a broader crackdown: previous operations between May 26 and June 5 across hill and valley districts led to the arrest of at least 23 militants and recovery of IEDs, mortars, and additional firearms. The state remains under President’s Rule, with internet bans enforced to curb unrest.
The recovery of 328 firearms and over 10,000 rounds of ammunition marks a critical milestone in Manipur’s efforts to curb violence. It demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations, but also underlines the scale of the challenge ahead. With thousands of looted weapons still in circulation, sustained vigilance, robust community participation, and strategic disarmament are essential to forge a path toward lasting peace in the region.
