A local armed group launched a daring attack on a Manipur Rifles outpost in Thoubal district on Saturday night, making off with a significant cache of weapons and ammunition. The attackers, arriving in three vehicles, overpowered the Manipur Rifles personnel stationed at the Kakmayai area outpost. They looted six Self Loading Rifles (SLRs), three AK rifles, and a large quantity of various ammunition, including 12 magazines.
In the wake of the attack, additional security forces, led by senior police officials, quickly descended on the area, initiating a widespread combing operation. Their goal is to track down the armed assailants and recover the stolen weapons and ammunition.
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This incident highlights the continuing concerns over looted arms in the state. During the violent ethnic riots in Manipur on May 3, 2023, mobs and militants seized over 6,000 sophisticated firearms, along with millions of rounds of ammunition, from police stations and outposts. Although security forces have successfully recovered a substantial portion of the looted weapons, many remain unaccounted for, exacerbating violence in both valley and hilly areas.
Armed with these stolen weapons, militant groups, and village volunteers have fueled the ongoing unrest. In response, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and other political leaders have repeatedly called for the return of the stolen arms. Authorities have warned that failure to comply will result in legal action.
In a separate operation, police in Imphal West District arrested three militants and recovered pistols, two motorcycles, and mobile phones. Officials confirmed that the militants were involved in extorting money from villagers, government officials, contractors, shopkeepers, and businessmen.
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