Tackling stolen arms a challenge for forces in Manipur

Joint combing operations by the army and Assam Rifles to retrieve stolen weapons and munitions started on June 7, however, the forces have managed to recover only 170 weapons so far in the ethnic clashes-hit Manipur, where miscreants continue to use the stolen weapons to launch attacks in different parts of the state, officials familiar with the matter said.

- Prawesh Lama

NEW DELHI: As per the state police’s estimates, at least 3,500 weapons and over 500,000 ammunitions were stolen by mobs last month.

The most recent incidents of miscreants using looted weapons were reported at two places in Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts on Thursday. In Imphal West, officials said, the forces recovered an Insas rifle and an Insas light machine gun stolen from Manipur police’s armoury last month.