Imphal: Central and state security forces dismantled two temporary militant camps in Manipur’s Imphal West and Jiribam districts, recovering a substantial cache of arms, ammunition and tactical equipment following the arrest of a cadre of the KCP-MC (Progressive), officials said on Thursday.
The operation began on Wednesday with the arrest of an active insurgent, identified as Ngathem Bhimojit Singh (38), alias Bhimo, a resident of Khurai Thangjam Leikai in Imphal East district. Acting on intelligence gathered during his interrogation, joint security teams launched coordinated search operations at multiple locations.
During a raid at Ishok Mamang Leikai near Loktak Lake in Imphal West district, security personnel uncovered a concealed militant hideout. The forces recovered four modified bolt-action single-barrel rifles, one modified .303 rifle with a magazine, one M2 carbine fitted with a telescopic sight and magazine, one 9 mm pistol with a magazine, and 26 live rounds of different calibres.
In a subsequent operation in the forested area near Mongbung village in Jiribam district, another temporary militant camp was unearthed. Security forces seized one Pumpi gun, two country-made pistols, four country-made 12-bore SBBL guns, two .36 hand grenades, three 51 mm mortar shells, 331 live rounds of assorted ammunition, 17 firearm magazines, and military equipment, including bulletproof jacket covers, jungle shoes and camouflage trousers.
Officials said the arrested insurgent and all the recovered weapons, explosives and other materials have been handed over to the respective local police stations for further investigation and legal proceedings.
Security agencies have intensified combing and search operations across the state as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle militant networks and prevent the resurgence of insurgent activities.