Imphal, March 22 (IANS) In a series of operations in Manipur, the Army in collaboration with the other security forces have recovered 32 weapons, several improvised devices, a large cache of ammunition including grenades and war-like stores from different districts, an official said on Saturday.
A Defence Spokesman said that the Army, Assam Rifles along with Manipur Police, CRPF, BSF, and ITBP personnel conducted the operation during the past few days in Manipur’s eight districts — Thoubal, Bishnupur, Imphal West, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal, Jiribam and Senapati – comprising hill and valley regions.
The recovered arms include, single bore barrel rifle, 0.22 rifle, AK series rifles, Light Machine Gun, .303 rifle, INSAS rifles, 7.62mm SLRs, improvised mortars and pistols.
These coordinated efforts by security forces highlight their unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security in Manipur, a defence release said.
Meanwhile, the Defence spokesman said that 34 women from Manipur, forming part of Assam Rifles National Integration Tour (NIT), interacted with the Eastern Army Commander, Lt General Ram Chander Tiwari in Kolkata.
The interaction accorded these ‘Women Ambassadors’ an opportunity to share their experiences about the NIT, and also gain valuable insights about the role of Assam Rifles and Indian Army towards restoration of peace in the ‘Seven Sister States’ of northeast India.
The spokesman said that the women from Manipur are on a 10-day tour to Ahmedabad and Kolkata from March 12 to March 22.
The tour, conducted by the Assam Rifles has enabled the participants to witness economic, infrastructural and cultural advancements in Ahmedabad and Kolkata.
During their stay in Gujarat, they visited key landmarks such as the Statue of Unity, Sabarmati Ashram, and Akshardham Temple. While in Ahmedabad, the women interacted with Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Gujarat.
The Governor urged them to emulate Gujarat’s development model for peace and prosperity in Manipur.
The women also witnessed Ahmedabad’s urban lifestyle, including the Sabarmati and Narmada riverfronts. In Kolkata, they visited iconic monuments like the Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum and Mother Teresa’s Home.
While interacting with the NIT participants, the Eastern Army Commander highlighted the potential of Manipur to evolve as a powerhouse of sports and tourism sectors, and the crucial role of women in the prosperity of the state.
He appreciated the participants for stepping out to explore other parts of India and exhorted them to emulate the development models they witnessed in Ahmedabad and Kolkata.
As a token of appreciation, he felicitated the participants with shawls. The women in turn felicitated the General with a traditional stole and a painting from Imphal.
The NIT is testimony of the Assam Rifles’ continued efforts in fostering national integration and empowering women from remote regions.
–IANS
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