Imphal, 28 May (HS): Three rebels have arrested and a large cache of arms and explosives have seized in coordinated anti-insurgency operations conducted by security forces in Manipur, Officials informed on Wednesday.
The biggest success in these operations was achieved when Kangleipak Communist Party (PWG) rebel Mohammad Ayub Khan alias Thoiba (28) was arrested from Khonghampat Mantri Laikai (Imphal West). He is the accused of operating a network of extorting money from petrol pumps in the valley area.
At the same time, two cadres of banned outfit group PREPAK - Shamjetsabam Ibomcha Meitei (30) and Lamjingba Wahengbam (23) - were arrested during a raid in Lairongthel Pitra in Thoubal district. In this operation, the security forces also recovered one SLR rifle, one INSAS rifle and 17 live cartridges.
Along with the arrests, the security forces have also recovered a dangerous cache of weapons. Several IEDs (improvised explosive devices) weighing 4.5 to 12 kg were found during a search in Monghalam area near Thoubal Dam. The recovered material includes high-grade weapons, dozens of rounds of bullets and about 30 meters long Cordtex explosive cord.
M-16 and INSAS rifles, country-made weapons and grenades have also been recovered during searches in Torbung and Taizang villages of Churachandpur district.
According to officials, anti-insurgency operations have been further intensified in the area in view of militant activities and accumulation of weapons in Manipur.-------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
