Imphal : Security forces and law-enforcement agencies have conducted 1,574 combing and search operations across vulnerable and conflict-affected areas of Manipur since February, Director General of Police Mukesh Singh said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a function titled “Display on the Initiatives towards Bringing Normalcy in Manipur” at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in Imphal, Singh said the sustained operations were aimed at recovering illegal weapons, dismantling unlawful infrastructure and preventing further violence.

The operations were conducted jointly by the Manipur Police, Central Armed Police Forces, Army, Assam Rifles and other security agencies, the DGP said. According to Singh, the operations between February and August resulted in the recovery of 1,422 firearms, 7,010 rounds of ammunition and 1,137 explosives. A total of 491 extremists were also arrested during the period, he said.

Singh said the combing and search operations were focused on vulnerable and violence-affected areas as part of broader efforts to improve security and create conditions for the restoration of normalcy.

The DGP also highlighted intensified action against illicit poppy cultivation and drug trafficking. He said security agencies destroyed 962 acres of poppy cultivation and registered 158 cases, leading to the arrest of 233 people.

Large quantities of heroin, ganja, opium and other narcotic substances were also recovered during the operations, he said. “Combating the drug issue will not only prevent young people from drug addiction but also control financing of other illegal activities,” Singh said.

On the movement of essential commodities, the DGP said security arrangements had been strengthened along national highways to ensure uninterrupted transportation and prevent disruption of supplies. He said 60,500 goods-laden trucks had been transported under security escort to maintain the supply of essential commodities to different parts of the state.

Singh said the police and security agencies remained committed to creating an environment in which people could live without fear. He also appealed to the people of Manipur to extend their cooperation to the police and security forces in their efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the state.