Shillong, August 13: Security forces in Manipur have conducted successful search operations in various districts, resulting in the recovery of 12 arms, six rounds of ammunition, and at least eight explosives within the past 24 hours. The operations targeted fringe and vulnerable areas across five districts: Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Churachandpur, according to police sources.
The Manipur police press release on Saturday also highlighted the seizure of 27 kg of suspected opium and the arrest of two individuals. The police reported sporadic incidents of firing and protest gatherings in the state over the past day, while emphasizing that the overall situation remains relatively normal.
As per Hindustan Times, to maintain security and order, multiple checkpoints have been established in both hill and valley districts. As a measure to counter violations, around 1,580 individuals have been detained across different districts.
The police have ensured the flow of essential supplies into the violence-affected state. They confirmed the movement of 92 vehicles on NH-37 and 112 vehicles on NH 2 for the transportation of necessary items. Stringent security measures are in place in vulnerable areas, with security convoys providing safe passage in sensitive regions.
Amidst the efforts to restore stability, curfew restrictions have been eased in specific districts, with Imphal West, Imphal East, and Bishnupur districts experiencing relaxation from 5am to 5pm. Notably, six other hill districts are currently exempt from curfew.
The ongoing ethnic conflict between the Metei and Kuki communities, triggered on May 3, has led to incidents where mobs targeted police stations and armories, resulting in the theft of approximately 4,000 weapons and 500,000 rounds of ammunition. In response, the police and security forces have recovered over 1,100 arms and more than 15,000 rounds of ammunition from various areas in the state, primarily from the valley districts.