Imphal: In a series of coordinated operations across vulnerable locations in Manipur on Tuesday, security forces arrested two insurgents, recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, dismantled illegal bunkers, and destroyed extensive poppy plantations.
According to a morning bulletin issued by the Manipur Police on Wednesday, the arrested individuals are active members of the proscribed People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the armed wing of the banned Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF).
The first arrest occurred at Sawombung, Imphal East, where security personnel apprehended Athokpam Manaoton Meitei (42), alias Tamanao, Malem, or Amujao. He is a resident of Chana Mayai Leikai under the Lamlai Police Station.
Following his interrogation, security forces captured a self-styled PLA lieutenant, Ningthoujam Ibungocha, alias Sathouba Meitei (38), from Yaingangpokpi Bazar. A mobile phone and SIM card were seized from his possession.
Information obtained during the interrogations led to a third operation along Ngairangbam Tanoukhul Road in Imphal West, where security forces recovered a significant haul of military hardware.
The seizure included one double-barrel gun and a country-made pistol with a magazine, 181 rounds of live ammunition of various calibers along with three spare magazines, two No. 36 hand grenades, a detonator, and a Baofeng wireless handset with its charger.
In a concurrent fourth phase, security forces dismantled four insurgent bunkers at Mongkot Chepu in Ukhrul district, where 24 empty fired cartridges were also recovered.
The crackdown concluded with the destruction of approximately 22 acres of illegal poppy plantations and three farm huts located at Sehjang/Khoiripok under the New Keithelmanbi Police Station in Kangpokpi district.