Overview

• Joint security operations seized 328 weapons across five Imphal Valley districts on June 13–14 and 203 more from hill areas in early July, marking the largest recent haul of looted arms.
• Officials confirmed that Meitei and Kuki insurgents converted looted .303 and AK-47 rifles into makeshift sniper weapons by fitting specialized butts and telescopic sights.
• Modified rifles can now engage targets beyond 500 metres, suggesting insurgent plans for long-distance attacks that authorities aim to thwart.
• Raids have also yielded INSAS rifles, self-loading rifles, grenade launchers, pistols and homemade ‘pumpi’ cannons built by village blacksmiths using electric poles and galvanised iron pipes.
• Under President’s Rule, Manipur Police and Assam Rifles are intensifying disarmament to counter both insurgent arsenals and community-driven improvised weapons production.