UKHRUL: A joint operation by security forces has led to the recovery of a huge cache of arms and ammunition from the Leilon Vaiphei areas in Kangpokpi District, Manipur.
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According to the Manipur Police, acting on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of armed militants, the Manipur Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Rapid Action Force (RAF), the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), and the Army launched a joint operation. The operation was carried out on 20/06/2026 in Leilon Vaiphei, Leilon Munlui, Molhoi, P. Moulding, Leilon Khunou, and the surrounding areas.
Further, the Police reported that an exchange of fire took place with suspected militants during the operation. As the operation continued on 21st and 22nd June 2026, security forces recovered a large quantity of arms and ammunition, including 17 (seventeen) single/double-barrel guns; 8 weapons comprising 02 AK-47 rifles, 01 M4 carbine, 02 SLRs, 01 SKS rifle, 01 improvised sniper .303 rifle; and 11 SBL rifles. Assorted ammunition, communication equipment, and other war-like stores were also seized.
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Additionally, the Manipur Police had on June 19 reported that at least 10 (ten) accused persons were arrested in National Investigation Agency (NIA) cases in joint raids by combined teams of Manipur Police, NIA, and the CRPF at various districts, including but not limited to Churachandpur, Imphal, and Ukhrul. The cases include the Ukhrul PNB bank robbery case, the 5th IRB arms loot case, the murder of a Jiribam Hmar woman case, the abduction and killing of 04 Kukis, the attack on CRPF at Narainsena, and the ambush in the convoy of the Chief Minister.
It may be mentioned that the area where the security forces conducted the operation has remained in a volatile situation ever since the abduction and subsequent killing of six Naga civilians from Konsakhul village, including Pastors, by suspected Kuki militants. The area has been embroiled in conflict between Kuki and Naga villages, especially between Leilon Vaiphei and the Konsakhul Liangmai Naga villages.
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