SECURITY forces recovered over 200 weapons, including firearms, and war-like stores in operations lasting only a few hours in four hill districts of Manipur, a senior police officer said on Friday. INSAS rifles, self-loading rifles (SLRs) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were among those found in joint operations between Thursday midnight and Friday morning. These operations resulted in the recovery of a large number of arms, ammunition, explosives and other warlike stores, Lhatoo added. The recovered weapons included 21 INSAS rifles, 11 AK series, 26 SLR, two snipers, three carbines, 17 .303 rifles, two MA assault rifles, three M 79 grenade launchers, 11 single-barrel bolt action, nine pistols, 18 single-shot breech loaded rifles and 38 Pumpis. The Pumpi is an umbrella term used for various improvised light weapons.

 

‘Plans to shut relief camps by Dec, resettlement of displaced in 3 phases’: MANIPUR Chief Secretary P K Singh on Friday said the State Government is planning to shut down all relief camps by December, with the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to be carried out in three phases. Singh said coordinated discussions had taken place with the Centre and the Ministry of Home Affairs, resulting in a phased plan for the return and rehabilitation of displaced persons. “We’ve had a good round of discussions with the central government and MHA. The first phase involves those who can go back immediately — by July, and that process has already begun. The number of displaced has come down from 62,000 to 57,000,” Singh said.

 

He added that Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts have already been assessed, and the second phase of returns is scheduled for October, followed by the third and final round by December. To support the displaced in rebuilding their lives, Singh announced financial assistance of Rs 3.03 lakh for those whose homes have been destroyed. “We also have around 7,000 people whose homes were not damaged but have become dilapidated after two years of neglect. Some form of monetary assistance will be provided to them as well,” he said. He acknowledged that even after December, 8,000–10,000 people may not be able to return to their original homes — particularly those displaced from areas like Moreh, Churachandpur, and Kangpokpi. “These people will be accommodated in pre-fabricated houses. An additional 1,000 units are being constructed for this purpose,” Singh stated. Addressing questions about the restoration of free movement across communities, Singh said progress is being made. “Movement is likely to resume very soon. The Central and State Governments, civil society organisations (CSOs), and community leaders are all working together,” he said. Singh also cited positive developments on the ground.

 

“Farming activities are happening, even on both sides of the divide. People are working within eye-ball distance, even sharing water. It’s a good sign. One or two incidents might still occur—mischievous elements are everywhere—but overall things are improving.” He added that several major infrastructure projects are ready for inauguration, including the new Civil Secretariat in Imphal and Manipur Bhavans in Delhi and Kolkata, which could be jointly inaugurated when the opportunity arises. Besides, the forces found 109 ammunitions of different types, 30 IEDs, 10 grenades, nine Pumpi shells and two lathode grenades, the officer said. “The Manipur Police reiterates its commitment to fostering a peaceful and secure Manipur.

 

The public is urged to cooperate with the police and security forces, and to promptly report any suspicious activity or information related to illegal arms to the nearest police station or the Central Control Room,” he said. Earlier in the day, the police said in an X post that security forces recovered at least 11 firearms and war-like stores in Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts. One person was also arrested for possessing an illegal handgun in Imphal East district. “Security forces continue to conduct search operations and area domination in the fringe and vulnerable areas across districts,” the post read. Manipur, which witnessed the killing of at least 260 people in ethnic violence since May 2023, is currently under President’s rule. The strife between the Meitei and Kuki communities also rendered thousands of people homeless, forcing them to stay in relief camps.