Manipur: Security forces recover arms cache ahead of Lok Sabha elections

IMPHAL: Prior to the Lok Sabha elections in Manipur, both central and state forces have escalated extensive combing operations, resulting in the recovery of a significant arsenal of arms, ammunition, explosives, and war-related materials in a sensitive area of Churachandpur, officials reported on Thursday (April 04).

Based on precise intelligence indicating the presence of arms and ammunition at Bungjang village in Churachandpur district of Manipur, Assam Rifles and Manipur police jointly initiated a search operation on Wednesday (April 03).

This operation yielded fruitful results, with the recovery of 14 weapons, including one .32 mm pistol, one .22 mm pistol, eleven single barrel rifles, and one 51mm mortar, along with ammunition.

The recovered items have been transferred to the Manipur police for further action.

Notably, Churachandpur district in Manipur has been at the centre of ethnic tensions between the Kukis and Meiteis since May 03 last year, claiming the lives of over 222 individuals.

Officials highlighted that the operation was carried out under the auspices of the election commission of India (ECI) to ensure the integrity of the electoral process in the district.

Churachandpur district, comprising four assembly segments predominantly populated by the Kuki-Zo community, is slated to participate in the Outer Manipur parliamentary elections scheduled for April 19.

Interestingly, despite the Kuki-Zo community's presence in the district, no candidate from this community is contesting in the Outer Manipur PC election, where candidates representing Congress, Naga People's Front, and two from the Naga communities are vying for victory.