Champhai (Mizoram) [India], October 27 (ANI): The Assam Rifles recovered a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and war-like stores from Saikumphai, Champhai District, Mizoram, a statement issued on Monday stated.

In a post on social media platform X, the Assam Rifles stated that during an operation on October 24, the forces recovered six 60mm mortar tubes with base plates, two 7.62mm Myanmar-made assault rifles, three shotguns, two .22 rifles, one hand grenade, forty live rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, fifteen 60mm mortar rounds, two anti-personnel mines, and two radio sets with antennas along with a charger.

All recovered items have been handed over to the Police Department, Dungtlang, Champhai, for further investigation and legal proceedings.

Earlier, Assam Rifles under Spear Corps, in the early hours of October 25, based on specific intelligence inputs and in coordination with Arunachal Pradesh Police, launched a follow-up operation in the general area of Manfeisang, Namsai District, South Arunachal Pradesh, a press release said.

During the extensive search and tracking operation, multiple columns were employed, including aerial reconnaissance, tracker dogs, drones, and technical surveillance. Troops have apprehended one ULFA (I) cadre near Hanthi Camp, Manfeisang.

The individual was identified as Self-Styled Corporal Thawseng Asom alias Anupom Dohatiya, aged 24 years, resident of Makum Bariakoli, Tinsukia District, Assam. The apprehended cadre was involved in the attack on the Army Camp at Kakopathar on October 17.

Subsequent searches in the area led to the recovery of one Rifle, MQ-RA81, three magazines, 151 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one rifle grenade, and one hand grenade from the general area of Pathargaon. The apprehended insurgent and recovered arms and ammunition have been handed over to the Arunachal Pradesh Police for further investigation and other proceedings. On October 19, the Assam Rifles achieved a major attainment, recovering a large consignment comprising 90 bags of poppy seeds and 120 bags of Areca nuts in Champhai, Mizoram.

Based on specific intelligence, Assam Rifles conducted a search operation on October 17 in the general area of Farlui Road, Ruantlang, Champhai, Mizoram.

'During the operation, security forces recovered a large consignment comprising 90 bags of poppy seeds and 120 bags of Areca nuts. The estimated value of the seized goods is approximately 99 lakhs rupees,' the Assam Rifles said in a release.

'This significant recovery underscores Assam Rifles' zero-tolerance approach towards illicit activities in the region and its continued commitment to ensuring the law and order situation is maintained,' it said.

The seized consignment has been handed over to the Customs Preventive Force, Champhai, for further investigation and prosecution under relevant laws. (ANI)