Imphal, 10 January (HS): Security forces intensified coordinated operations across Manipur in last 24 hours, resulting in the destruction of large tracts of illicit poppy cultivation, arrest of several militants and extortionists and recovery of arms, ammunition and explosives from different parts of the state.

In a major anti-narcotics drive, a joint team of security personnel, forest department officials and an executive magistrate razed around 40 acres of illegal poppy fields at the Ngatan Hill Range under Senapati police station in Senapati district. Officials said 11 temporary huts erected at the site were dismantled, while fertilizers, salt, irrigation pipes, spray pumps and other cultivation-related materials were also destroyed.

Parallel intelligence-based operations targeting militant and extortion networks led to multiple arrests.

Manipur Police apprehended a rebel of the banned KCP (Noyon) outfit, identified as Nandeibam Rosen Meitei (36) of Yumnam Patlou Mamang Leikai, Imphal East district, from Kongpal Chingangbam Leikai. A mobile phone was recovered from his possession.

In an another operation, police arrested Thoudam Nanaobi alias Ishingchaoba alias Naobicha (50), an alleged extortionist and member of PREPAK (PRO), from the Lamboikhongnangkhong area under Lamphel police station in Imphal West district. A mobile handset was also seized during the arrest.

Another active cadre of RPF/PLA, Wahengbam Bimal Meitei alias Luwang alias Mani (26), was taken into custody from the Nagaram area under Lamphel police station. A resident of Thangmeiband Lourung Purel Leikai in Imphal West district, he was found carrying ten demand letters purportedly issued in the name of the “Government of the People’s Re-Public of Nagalim,” three mobile phones, a pocket diary, an Aadhaar card and a white Maruti Alto car.

Arms and ammunition recoveries were reported from several districts.

Security forces recovered two carbines, an improvised .303 rifle, two improvised single bolt-action rifles, a No. 36 high-explosive hand grenade, a detonator, a smoke grenade, 14 rounds of assorted ammunition and four magazines from the Ikop Pat area of Thoubal district.

On the same day, another cache of arms and war-like stores was seized from the hill ranges of Natum Ching and Sanasabi under Yaingangpokpi police station in Imphal East district. The recovered items included a single-barrel rifle, a country-made AK rifle without magazine, a bolt-action rifle, a No. 36 hand grenade, three military helmets, a bulletproof jacket with plate, improvised 81 mm and 51 mm light launch grenades (para bombs), 20 live rounds of ammunition and two tube launchers.

Meanwhile, Manipur Police intercepted two persons transporting illegal liquor at the Sora Chingwangba area under Kakching police station in Kakching district. The accused, Nongthombam Kishan Singh (25) and Bimol Singh Nongthombam (30) of Luwangsangbam Makha Leikai in Imphal East district, were found in possession of 1,008 cans of beer and a Maruti Gypsy vehicle.

In a separate operation, security forces recovered explosives and ammunition from the Thangjing foothills under Churachandpur police station in Churachandpur district. The seizure included a locally made rocket filled with explosives, five improvised explosive devices weighing about four kilograms in total, three pompi shells weighing three kilograms each, 23 rounds of single-barrel ammunition and two empty cartridge cases.

Security agencies said extensive combing, cordon and search operations are continuing across Manipur to dismantle militant networks, curb extortion and prevent illegal activities, as part of sustained efforts to restore normalcy and strengthen law and order in the state.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash