Firearms, grenades and ammunition seized in Manipur amid ongoing ethnic conflict

Security forces seized 11 firearms during an operation in Manipur's Imphal East district, police said on Tuesday (October 27, 2026).

Acting on a tip-off, a joint team of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and police conducted the operation in Bongbal Khollen foothills and seized the firearms.

"One A1 rifle, a 9 mm pistol, two 12-bore double-barrel guns, three 12-bore single-barrel guns and a locally made 9 mm pistol were among the firearms recovered," police said in a statement.

Three hand grenades and ammunition were also seized during the operation.

All seized items have been handed over to the Thoubal Dam Police Station, it said.

Security forces have been conducting search operations in Manipur since ethnic violence broke out in the state three years ago.

The ethnic conflict that erupted in May 2023 between the valley-based Meitei and hill-based Kuki communities has claimed at least 306 lives, while 49 people remain missing and thousands have been left homeless.

At least 50 people have been killed in clashes between Kukis and Nagas in the hill districts since February this year.