Imphal: In a series of joint operations, the Army, in coordination with other forces, including police, has arrested 29 militants of different proscribed outfits and recovered 28 weapons, huge quantities of ammunition and explosives from different districts of Manipur, officials said on Tuesday.

A Defence spokesman said the Army, Assam Rifles, Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) -- CRPF, BSF, ITBP -- and the Manipur Police in a series of joint operations during the past few days have recovered 28 weapons, including sophisticated arms, several improvised explosive devices (IEDs), some grenades, large cache of ammunition and war-like stores.

These arms and ammunition were recovered from seven Manipur districts -- Churachandpur, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching, Senapati, Imphal East and Imphal West -- comprising the valley region and hilly areas.

According to the spokesman, during the intelligence-based operations, 29 hardcore cadres of different extremist outfits, including Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), were apprehended from the hill and valley regions.

The arms and ammunition recovered include self-loading rifle, single-barrel rifle, improvised mortars (Pompi), four bolt-action single-barrel rifles, Modified Carbine Machine Gun, SMC Carbine Machine Guns, point 22 Rifle and Pistols. The apprehended cadres and the recovered arms and ammunition have been handed over to the Manipur Police.

These coordinated efforts by the security forces highlight their unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security in Manipur, the spokesman said.