Imphal, Manipur: In a series of joint operations over the past three days, the Army, Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, and central forces have recovered a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and war-like stores from three districts in Manipur. The operations spanned hill and valley regions in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Thoubal districts.

Recovered weapons comprise a sniper rifle, Lathode gun, two 9 mm pistols, SBBL gun, two 7.62 mm SLR rifles, carbine machine gun, double-barreled rifle, .12 bore single-barrel gun, and three more 9 mm pistols. Additionally, numerous live grenades were also seized.

According to a defense spokesman, the recovered arms and ammunition have been transferred to the Manipur Police for further investigation. Successful recoveries highlight seamless cooperation between the Army, Assam Rifles, and other law enforcement agencies, underscoring their commitment to regional security and safety.

These operations come amidst an ongoing search for a 56-year-old Meitei man, Laishram Kamalbabu Singh, who has been missing since November 25. Singh, a Gossaipur, Assam resident, supervised contractors for the Military Engineering Services at the Leimakhong military station. He was last seen leaving his residence in Loitang Khunou village, Imphal West district, on November 25 for the military station.

Over 2,000 personnel from the Army and Assam Rifles are actively involved in the search, utilizing tracker dogs, drones, and other technological resources. Singh's disappearance has sparked protests and appeals for intervention from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) and Meira Paibis, a women's vigilante group in Manipur. Meitei community organizations have alleged that Singh was kidnapped by Kuki militants.