Indian Army and security forces recovered 14 weapons, ammunition and war-like stores in violence-hit Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Thoubal districts of Manipur amid sporadic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
The Army has conducted joint operations in these districts along with Assam Rifles, Manipur Police and other security forces.
Acting on some intelligence evidence of the presence of arms and ammunition at Loiching Ridge in Kangpokpi district, the Assam Rifles and Manipur Police launched a joint operation on December 2 and recovered one sniper rifle, one Lathode rifle, two 9mm rifles and one Single Barrel Breech. Loads (SBBL) gun, ammunition and stores like war.
On the same day in Churachandpur district, a joint intelligence-based operation by the Assam Rifles and the Manipur Police in Phaikhothang village led to the recovery of one 7.62 mm self-loading rifle, one 12 caliber rifle and one 9mm rifle, ammunition. and shops like war.
In Thoubal district, the Army, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police conducted two joint intelligence-based operations on December 4 and 6 in Fungei Ching and Pechi areas, respectively. The operation at Fungei Ching resulted in the recovery of one SLR, one carbine machine gun, one double barrel rifle, two rifles, grenades, ammunition and warlike stores.
Similarly, the operation at Pechi resulted in the discovery of one weapon, ammunition and war-like stores. All the recovered items were handed over to the Manipur police.
ABOUT MANPUR VIOLENCE
More than 250 people have been killed, and thousands left homeless as a result of ethnic violence between the Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and groups affiliated with the Kuki-Zo since May last year. The conflict started after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Meiteis constitute about 53 percent of the population of Manipur and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. The tribes – the Nagas and the Kukis – make up more than 40 percent and live in the mountainous regions.
The state government on Saturday extended the ban on mobile data services in nine troubled districts till December 9. This decision was taken after reviewing the existing law and order situation in Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Pherzawl. and Jiribam districts and its relationship with internet services.
Mobile internet and mobile data services, including VSATs and VPN, will remain suspended until 5.15 pm on December 9 for the benefit of the public. However, exemptions are allowed “for cases approved by the state government”, it said.
Internet services were suspended in these districts on November 16 after violence broke out in the state following the discovery of bodies of three women and three children in Jiribam.
The state government lifted the suspension of broadband services on November 19, considering the problems faced by health facilities, educational institutions and various offices. However, WiFi or hotspot sharing is not allowed.
(with input from PTI)
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