Imphal, 28 March (HS): Security forces have achieved continued success in ongoing operations against banned militant outfits in Manipur, with eight rebels arrested from different parts of the state over the past 24 hours, according to an official statement issued by the Manipur Police Headquarters on Saturday.

In the first operation, security forces arrested an active cadre of the proscribed outfit UNLF (P), identified as Thongbam Premjit Singh (49), from his residence at Thangmeiband Kabrabam Leikai in Imphal West district on Friday. He is accused in a case related to a bomb blast that occurred in early 2022 at Sagolband Takhellambam Leikai. A mobile phone and an Aadhaar card were recovered from his possession.

In another operation, a cadre of the banned RPF/PLA, Chingakham Nongpoknganba Meitei (21), was apprehended from Takhel Awang Leikai under Lamlai police station in Imphal East district. One mobile phone was seized from him.

During a separate operation, security forces arrested two cadres belonging to the proscribed outfits KCP and KYKL from between International Border Posts 73 and 74 under Moreh police station in Tengnoupal district. The arrested individuals were identified as Angom Lemba Meitei alias Liklaingamba (26), a resident of Top Moirang Kampu in Imphal East district and Yumnam Boni Meitei alias Yaitamba (42), a resident of Kakching Khun.

In a related operation conducted on Thursday, an active member of the banned PLA, Chongtham Nanav Singh alias Khunou (29), a resident of Kakching Khunou in Kakching district, was arrested from between International Border Posts 78 and 79 under Moreh police station in Tengnoupal district.

Additionally, three more cadres of PLA/RPF were apprehended from different areas of Imphal East district on Thursday. They have been identified as Phanjoubam Rabi Meitei alias Luwangamba (28), Md. Ruwaz Arif alias Babul (23) and Md. Abdul Hakim alias Inaocha (35). They are accused of planning IED attacks targeting traders in the Imphal region.

Security forces recovered three improvised explosive devices (IEDs), approximately 2.47 kg of TNT, two detonators, two timers, and three mobile phones from their possession. Further investigation is underway, police said.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash