Imphal, June 8: Security forces continued the massive joint combing operations for the second consecutive day in Hills and Valley sector in Manipur on Thursday.

Operations were conducted by adopting a people friendly approach including announcements for voluntarily surrendering of illegal arms prior to search of specific areas.

“Presence of magistrates along with the columns is being ensured during search operations in non AFSPA areas. Today 35 weapons (all types), ammunition & warlike stores were recovered,” said a defence press release.

Domination of NH 37 to ensure incident free movement of essential goods to and from Manipur was carried out as part of the ongoing combing operations.

“Sustained confidence building measures, people centric approach & initiating measures to alleviate the hardships are the lines on which security Forces are relentlessly working to ensure de-escalation of tensions & early return of normalcy,” the release stated.

During the conduct of combing operations, adequate measures are being undertaken to ensure that no inconvenience is caused to local population, it added.