Imphal : Govindas Konthoujam on Wednesday said security forces have recovered more firearms than were originally looted during the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur.

Responding to a query raised by Keisham Meghachandra in the state assembly, Konthoujam said a total of 6,020 firearms were looted at the onset of the unrest, while security agencies have so far recovered 7,437 weapons.

“The number of firearms seized by security forces is higher than the number of firearms looted,” the minister told the House. He said the higher recovery figures were partly due to the inflow of illegal weapons from across international borders, noting that the state’s porous border areas have allowed the smuggling of firearms from neighbouring countries.

Konthoujam said the international border is being fenced to prevent such illegal activities and added that the state government is working under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to recover all weapons looted from government armouries.

The minister said the government has been holding consultations with various stakeholders while strengthening security measures to restore normalcy in the state. He added that disarming individuals possessing illegal weapons remains a key component of the peace process.

According to Konthoujam, authorities are also monitoring extortion-related calls, including those originating from outside the state, to address security concerns and rebuild public confidence.He said the government is working to remove the “fear psychosis” that continues to affect free movement in parts of the state.

On the issue of illegal immigration, the minister said several committees had earlier been formed to identify undocumented migrants, but the exercise could not be completed after violence broke out.

He said biometric registration of suspected illegal immigrants has now begun with support from the central government. Security forces have also been deployed along border areas and are conducting joint mobile patrols, while permanent and mobile check posts have been set up to prevent infiltration, he added.

Konthoujam said security agencies are carrying out cordon-and-search operations, area domination exercises and flag marches in vulnerable locations to curb the activities of armed groups, insurgents and drug traffickers.

Describing Manipur as “among the drug hubs of the world”, he said Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has directed officials to identify and take action against drug kingpins operating in the state.

The minister also spoke about the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs), saying their welfare requires the involvement of all stakeholders and cannot be handled by the government alone.

He said the state government is providing assistance from its own resources while additional financial support is also being extended by the Centre. Measures such as livelihood support, direct benefit transfers and assistance for house construction are being provided to displaced families, he added.

Konthoujam also praised the state police for their role in maintaining law and order despite constraints.

He said the government is working towards introducing a dedicated Manipur Police Manual and Police Code, noting that the state police currently operate under the Assam Police manual.