Security forces in Manipur recovered four firearms, 38 ammunition and eight bombs from Imphal East and Imphal West districts during search operations, according to police.

In a statement issued by the Manipur Police Control Room on Thursday, it said that search operations were conducted in the fringe and vulnerable areas of Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, Kangpokpi and Thoubal districts during which security forces recovered firearms, ammunition and bombs.

During the last 24 hours, the state has witnessed tension over the past few days, marked by sporadic incidents of congregation of protestors.

A total of 123 nakas or checkpoints were strategically installed in different districts of Manipur, both in the hill and valley. During the operation, police detained 1,581 persons in connection with violations in different districts of the state, the statement said.

The State Police issued a statement appealing to the general public not to believe in unverified information that is being circulated. The police further advised to cross-check the authenticity of the videos. They said that any doubtful circulation of unfounded videos may be confirmed from the rumour-free helpline number 9233522822 of the Central control room.

Additionally, the authority urged the citizens to return the looted arms, ammunition and explosives to the police or nearest security forces immediately.

More than 160 people lost their lives and several hundred were injured since the ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur on May 3, after a Tribal Solidarity March was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals Nagas and Kukis constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts.

Earlier, Chief Minister of Manipur N. Biren Singh chaired a meeting with ministers, MLAs and other officials at his Secretariat. He discussed the ongoing measures being undertaken by the Central and State Governments to bring back normalcy and ensure economic activities are back on track.

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