Imphal: Security forces in Manipur recovered a cache of firearms, explosives, ammunition and protective gear and arrested three suspected insurgents and an alleged extortionist during coordinated operations across several valley and border districts on Monday.
The operations were carried out in Imphal East, Thoubal and Tengnoupal districts based on intelligence inputs, according to security officials.
In Imphal East, a joint team comprising the Imphal East commandos and 28 Assam Rifles conducted a cordon-and-search operation near the foothills of Sinam Kom village under Sagolmang police station.
The operation, based on intelligence inputs corroborated by the 4 Mahar Regiment (Borders), led to the recovery of a weapons cache reportedly concealed in the area.
The recovered items included:
- One 7.62 mm SLR rifle with a magazine
- One 5.56 mm INSAS rifle with two magazines
- One 9 mm pistol with a magazine
- One Pompi gun
- One country-made gun
- Two single-barrel guns
- Three No. 36 hand grenades
- One MG2 mortar shell
- 45 rounds of assorted live ammunition
- Four bulletproof plates
- Eight bulletproof jackets
- Two helmets
In Thoubal district, security forces arrested an alleged active extortionist associated with the Kangleipak Communist Party-People’s War Group (KCP-PWG).
The accused was identified as 30-year-old Buyamayum Ayub Khan, a resident of Hiyangthang Tarahei Konjil hills. He was apprehended from the Lilong Tairen Makhong area under Lilong police station.
Meanwhile, a joint team of Moreh police and 36 Assam Rifles arrested a suspected senior functionary of the proscribed Kanglei Yaol Kanna Lup (KYKL) near Gate No. 2 of Moreh town in Tengnoupal district.
The arrested individual was identified as 45-year-old Chongtham Lukhoi, alias Rakesh, a resident of Sekmaijin Khoidum in Kakching district. He was reportedly operating under the self-styled rank of captain.
In another intelligence-based operation in Imphal East, the district commando unit, working with 31 Assam Rifles, arrested 45-year-old Laishram Manglemba Meitei, alias Chairenlakpa.
Manglemba Meitei, a resident of Kakching Phousupat, was identified as an active member of the KCP (Meeyamgi Fheenganag Lanmee) faction. He was apprehended at Sangakpham Bazar.
Security officials said all four arrested individuals were subsequently handed over to the concerned police stations for further legal proceedings under relevant provisions of law.
The latest operations come amid intensified security measures along vulnerable valley-hill and border areas of Manipur. Assam Rifles, state commandos, and Army units have increased area domination patrols, vehicle checks, and intelligence operations to prevent further militant activity and disrupt extortion and other underground networks.