Imphal: Security forces in Manipur have recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition in Imphal West district. The recovery, which took place on Wednesday, was announced by police officials on Thursday.

According to the police, the arms and ammunition were recovered from the Lambal and Haorang Keirel areas of the district. The recovered items include a single-barrel gun, three pistols, three bolt-action rifles, eight grenades, 28 mini-flare cartridges, two radio sets, and 28 live ammunition rounds of various calibers.

In a separate operation in the Churachandpur district, security forces recovered a locally-made mortar known as a "pumpi," measuring eight feet in length, along with 12 "pumpi" shells, a modified MP5 rifle, and a single-barrel rifle from the Thangjing forest.

In other news, Manipur Police and security forces conducted multiple operations across the state on Monday, resulting in the apprehension of an extortionist and the retrieval of a substantial quantity of arms and explosives. According to a release from Manipur Police, the security forces discovered two improvised mortars and three WT sets in the Konaitong and Pelyang hill range, within the jurisdiction of the Machi police station in the Tengnoupal district.

Security forces also carried out intelligence-based cordon and search operations in the Imphal West District, leading to the arrest of active RPF/PLA cadres. An active cadre extortionist of RPF/PLA, identified as Nongmaithem Narendra Meitei, was apprehended from his residence under the Lamphel police station in Imphal West district. Authorities seized two mobile phones with two SIM cards and an Aadhaar card from his possession. Another active cadre of RPF/PLA, Kshetrimayum Nilakanta Singh, was also arrested, and two mobile handsets and a driving license were recovered.

In response to recent incidents of extortion, the Police Department held a meeting at the police headquarters, led by Addl DGP (L&O), with District SsPs and the Petroleum Dealers Association, Manipur, to assess the existing security measures. The Police Department has assured a review of security arrangements for Retail Outlets (ROs), incorporating additional measures such as vetting all RO employees. Mobile police teams will be strategically deployed to ensure the safety of ROs, and the anti-extortion mechanism will be enhanced to counter threats against petroleum product retailers.

Authorities have ensured the safe passage of 111 vehicles carrying essential items along NH-37. Strict security measures are in place at vulnerable locations, and security convoys are provided in sensitive areas to ensure the safe movement of vehicles.