Imphal, 14 December (HS): Security Forces intensified counter-insurgency operations across Manipur in last 24 hours, leading to the recovery of a large cache of arms and explosives from Kakching district and the arrest of several active cadres of banned outfits along with a drug dealer from different parts of the state.

During a search operation at Moltinchan Village under Sugnu Police Station in Kakching district, Security Forces recovered a substantial haul of weapons and ammunition. The seized items included an SLR without magazine, a locally made bolt-action sniper rifle with an empty magazine, one DBBL, one SBBL, a locally made pistol with an empty magazine, a 36 HE hand grenade without detonator, an empty magazine of a 7.62 LMG, three tube launchings, fifteen rounds of SLR ammunition, five stun shells and one 51 mm HE bomb.

On the same day, Manipur Police arrested an active cadre of PREPAK (PRO), identified as Thangjam Priyobarta Singh alias Yokkhatpa (35), from his residence at Kumbi Mayai Leikai Ward No. 6 under Kumbi Police Station in Bishnupur district.

In another operation, Security Forces apprehended two active extortionists of PREPAK (PRO) from the Canchipur area under Singjamei Police Station in Imphal West district. The arrested individuals were identified as Kshetrimayum Abinash Singh (21) of Kakching Thonglan Pareng, Kakching district, and Rajkumar Daniel Singh (31), also known as Loyataba, Jessy or Naoton, of Kwakeithel Thokchom Leikai, Imphal West district. A 9mm pistol with a magazine loaded with twelve rounds, two rounds of .38 ammunition, three mobile handsets and a two-wheeler were recovered from their possession.

Meanwhile, two active women cadres of UNLF (Koireng) were arrested from Moirangkampu Sajeb Makha Leikai under Porompat Police Station in Imphal East district. The arrested cadres were Takhellambam Sanathoi Chanu alias Loingakpi (19) of Tumukhong Awang Leikai and Kongbrailakpam Rameshori Devi alias Langlen, Bemma or Buchu (19) of Moirangkampu Sajeb Makha Leikai. Two mobile phones were seized from them.

In a separate incident, Security Forces arrested an active extortionist of UNLF (P), Karam Manikanta Singh alias Amuba or MK Khuman (46), from Lamphel Super Market under Lamphel Police Station in Imphal West district. Two mobile handsets and a wallet containing a PAN card along with cash amounting to ₹1,020 were recovered from his possession.

Additionally, Manipur Police nabbed a drug dealer, identified as Baseimayum Yaibi (47) of Porompat Pangal Leirak, from the Porompat Pangal Leirak area under Porompat Police Station in Imphal East district. Seven soap cases containing Heroin No. 4 were seized during the operation.

Police stated that further investigation is underway in all the cases to ascertain linkages and prevent unlawful activities in the region.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash