Imphal, 10 May (HS): Security forces carried out a series of coordinated search and combing operations across Manipur on May 9, leading to the recovery of a huge cache of arms, explosives, ammunition and tactical equipment from multiple locations in Imphal East district. An active cadre of the banned KCP (Nongdrenkhomba) outfit was also arrested during the operations, official sources informed on Sunday.

During a search operation at the foothill area of Nongmaijing Chingkhong under Irilbung Police Station, security personnel seized INSAS and .303 rifles, a .32 pistol, 11 hand grenades, mortar ammunition, HE shells, detonators and around 13 kilograms of IED explosive materials. Several magazines, SLR components, explosive substances and 195 live rounds of ammunition of different calibres were also recovered from the spot.

In another operation conducted at Awa Ching and nearby foothill areas under Porompat Police Station, security forces recovered a 7.62 SLR rifle, a 9 mm SMG carbine, a Chinese hand grenade, M16 rifle magazines, live ammunition, a wireless communication set and a telescope.

Searches at Mongjam village and adjoining foothill areas under Heingang Police Station led to the seizure of a single-barrel gun, live rounds, helmets, bulletproof jackets, BP iron plates and wireless communication equipment.

Meanwhile, at Chingkhei Ching under Porompat Police Station, security personnel recovered two pistols along with magazines and 57 live rounds of ammunition.

Security forces also conducted combing operations in the Lunghter hill range and Sinakeithei areas, where seven bunkers allegedly used by miscreants were taken over.

In a separate development, an active member of the proscribed KCP (Nongdrenkhomba) group, identified as Thiyam Inao Singh (33) of Bishnupur district, was arrested from Lamphel Police Station area in Imphal West district. Two HE hand grenades with detonators, 15 rounds of 9 mm ammunition, a mobile phone, Aadhaar card and an ID card were recovered from his possession.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash