35 weapons, warlike stores recovered during combing operation in Manipur

Security Forces on Thursday recovered huge arms and ammunition in the Joint Combing Operations in violence-hit Manipur.

Imphal (Manipur):Security Forces conducted a joint combing operation for the second consecutive day in Hills and Valley Sector in violence-hit Manipur on Thursday resulting in the recovery of a huge cache of arms and ammunition.

According to Defence spokesperson Lt. Col. Mahendra Rawat, the operations were conducted by adopting a "people-friendly" approach including announcements for voluntarily surrendering of illegal arms prior to the search of specific areas. The presence of magistrates along with the columns is being ensured during search operations in non-AFSPA areas (Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act), he said adding that on Thursday 35 weapons (all types), ammunition and warlike stores were recovered.

Domination of NH 37 to ensure incident-free movement of essential goods from Manipur was carried out as part of the ongoing combing operations. "Sustained confidence-building measures, a people-centric approach and initiating measures to alleviate the hardships are the lines on which Security Forces are relentlessly working to ensure the de-escalation of tensions and early return to normalcy," he added.

During the conduct of combing operations, adequate measures are being undertaken to ensure that no inconvenience is caused to local population. Meanwhile, the Centre has approved a Rs 101.75 crore relief package for the displaced people in violence-hit Manipur following a directive of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, security advisor to the state government Kuldeep Singh said on Thursday. He also said the situation in Manipur remained peaceful and under control and there has been no incident of violence in the state in the last 48 hours.

"To provide relief to the displaced people in Manipur, the Ministry of Home Affairs has approved Rs 101.75 crore relief package. During his recent Manipur visit, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had directed the state government to send a request to MHA for a relief package for displaced people," Singh said.