Manipur Police recovered 29 firearms, a bomb and a large quantity of ammunition during a search operation in Imphal East on July 26. Security personnel launched the operation in the Wakha Ching area after receiving specific intelligence about the suspected movement of armed individuals.
The Special Commando Unit and personnel from the 6th India Reserve Battalion carried out searches in the Wakha Hill jungle area. Four suspicious plastic bags hidden in the forest led security forces to the weapons cache. Police have continued search operations to locate any additional arms, explosives or other materials.
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Key Facts
- Location: Wakha Ching, Imphal East, Manipur
- Date: July 26, 2026
- Firearms recovered: 29
- Explosive recovered: One lathode bomb
- Ammunition: More than 650 rounds and other cartridges
- Lead unit: Special Commando Unit, Khabeisoi
- Assisting force: 6th India Reserve Battalion
- Search basis: Specific intelligence inputs
Manipur Police Recover Large Arms Cache
Manipur Police recovered a major cache of weapons and ammunition from the Wakha Ching area of Imphal East district on Sunday, July 26.
Police launched the operation after receiving information about the suspected movement of armed individuals in the area.
The operation began at around 6:15 pm. Teams from the Special Commando Unit, Khabeisoi, quickly moved to the location.
Security Teams Search Wakha Hill
Dr. S. Ibomcha Singh, IPS, Commandant of the 6th India Reserve Battalion and in-charge of the Special Commando Unit, led the operation.
Subedar L. Bibekananda Singh, Officer-in-Charge of the Special Commando Unit, also joined the operation. Personnel from the 6th IRB supported the search.
Security teams conducted frisking, checking and search operations across the area.
During the search, personnel entered the jungle area of Wakha Hill, opposite Shelloi Langmai Composite Farm.
There, they found four suspicious plastic bags concealed inside the forest.
29 Firearms Recovered
Security personnel recovered 29 firearms from the concealed bags.
The recovered weapons included five Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), two INSAS rifles with straight butts and two INSAS rifles with folding butts.
The cache also contained two AK Ghatak rifles and one INSAS Light Machine Gun (LMG).
Security forces further recovered six .303 rifles, three double-barrel breech-loading (DBBL) guns and seven single-barrel breech-loading (SBBL) guns.
One pump-action gun was also among the recovered firearms. Police also seized several magazines linked to the weapons.
Bomb and Ammunition Seized
The operation also led to the recovery of one lathode bomb.
Security personnel seized 530 rounds of .303 live ammunition and 64 rounds of 7.62 mm SLR ammunition.
The recovered items also included 19 INSAS live rounds and six rounds of 5.56 mm carbine ammunition.
In addition, teams recovered 40 drill cartridges and 17 chargers for .303 rifles.
Further Search Operations Underway
Police said security forces are continuing searches in the area.
Teams are looking for additional firearms, explosives and other potentially incriminating materials.
The latest recovery forms part of ongoing security efforts in Manipur to locate and remove illegally concealed weapons.
Authorities are also working to prevent the movement and use of illegal arms in vulnerable areas.
What did Manipur Police recover?
Police recovered 29 firearms, one lathode bomb, ammunition and other weapon-related items from Wakha Hill in Imphal East.
Where did the recovery take place?
Security forces recovered the weapons from a jungle area of Wakha Hill near Wakha Ching, opposite Shelloi Langmai Composite Farm.
When did the operation begin?
The search operation started at around 6:15 pm on July 26, 2026, after security agencies received specific intelligence inputs.
Who conducted the search?
The Special Commando Unit, Khabeisoi, led the operation with support from personnel of the 6th India Reserve Battalion.
Are more searches being conducted?
Yes. Police said search operations are continuing to trace additional weapons, explosives and other materials.
Why is the recovery important for Manipur?
Manipur has faced prolonged security challenges involving illegal arms and armed groups. Recovering concealed weapons can help security agencies prevent their potential use and strengthen security in vulnerable areas of the state. The operation also highlights continued efforts to secure communities across Northeast India.