Manipur government claims on recovery of looted police weapons do not add up

The number of recoveries submitted before the Supreme Court contradicts the claims made by the Manipur government officials and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.

The Manipur government informed the Supreme Court last week that 197 “stolen arms”, along with 70 bombs and 2,196 rounds of ammunition have been recovered in combing operations so far.

While 121 arms, 40 bombs and 2,092 ammunition were recovered from the Valley, 76 arms, 30 bombs and 104 rounds of ammunition were seized from the Hill areas, a status report filed by the State government in the apex court on August 1 said.

The number of recoveries submitted before the court contradicts the earlier claims made by government officials and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.

On July 20, Mr. Singh had told The Hindu that around 1,600 weapons that were looted from police armouries since May 3, have been recovered.

On June 13, a press note by Kuldiep Singh, Security Adviser, Manipur government, said that “a total of 1,040 arms, 13,601 ammunition and 230 bombs have bee recovered till date”.

On June 24, Union Home Minister Amit Shah told an all-party meeting that 1,800 looted weapons have been returned.

The recoveries were mentioned as part of an action taken report in response to a petition filed by Zomi Students Federation. A court order on July 11 had asked the State to submit an updated report within a period of weeks.