Imphal: Feb 18: The imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur has led to a significant increase in arms and weapons recovery, particularly in the wake of intensified security operations. In the first 48 hours following the imposition of the rule, security forces seized 15 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and apprehended 16 insurgents across both the hill and valley regions. This sharp uptick in activity marks a broader trend that has emerged since the declaration of President’s Rule, with sources indicating a 10-20% increase in arms recovery during intensified operations.
The surge in recoveries is clearly visible in a comparison of operations conducted before and after the President’s Rule was enforced. On January 20, security forces, focusing on vulnerable areas, recovered a range of weaponry, including one 7.62mm Sniper Rifle, five 9mm pistols with magazines, two SBBL (Single Barrel Breech Loading) Guns, two No. 36 Hand Grenades, along with a variety of ammunition and riot-control devices. These items reflect the heightened security situation in the region, with insurgents reportedly stockpiling a diverse array of weapons.
By February 14, the operations following the President’s Rule had yielded a significant increase in similar recoveries, underscoring the heightened vigilance and pressure on insurgent groups in the region. Authorities have ramped up their efforts to curb insurgent activities, leading to more successful operations and the disruption of illicit arms trade networks. The recovery of such a wide array of weaponry demonstrates both the scale of the ongoing insurgency in Manipur and the government’s response to restore order and peace in the troubled state.
