Imphal: Security forces made significant breakthroughs during the third and fourth days of the five-day Yaoshang festival, arresting five active insurgents and seizing a cache of arms and explosives in separate operations.
A Manipur Police morning bulletin issued on Friday stated that two cadres from different underground organisations were apprehended near the Ithing Khola playground under Keibul Lamjao Police Station in Bishnupur district.
They were identified as Khwairakpam Bedajit Singh alias Kappa (23) of Khabam Heibong Makhong (an active cadre of PREPAK) and Shagolsem Ibochouba Singh alias Tomba (22) of Andro Chingdong (an active cadre of PLA).
Based on their disclosures, security forces recovered one HK-33 rifle with a magazine and 38 live rounds, three improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and military-style clothing from the Takmu side of the Ithing playground near Loktak Lake.
In the second phase of the operations, security forces arrested Wahengbam Premkumar Singh (37), alias Demba, of Khurai Sajor Lairou Pukhri Mapal in Imphal East district.
He is an active cadre of the United National Liberation Front–Pambei (UNLF-P) and was arrested for involvement in prejudicial activities.
Following this, his associate Senjam Roken Singh (42), alias Rocket, of Khurai Chaithabi Leirak Machin in Imphal East, was also arrested along with a 9 mm pistol and ammunition.
In another operation, an active cadre of the National Revolutionary Front Manipur (NRFM), identified as Ningthoujam Ningthoungamba Meitei (27) alias Mangang from Churachandpur district, was arrested at the Imphal International Airport.
A mobile phone, a power bank, and a backpack containing clothing were seized from him.
Other items recovered from the arrestees included two mobile phones and an Aadhaar card. Police said search operations are continuing in the region.