Imphal, 21 May (HS): Security forces and the Manipur Police carried out multiple operations across the state during the last 24 hours, leading to the arrest of seven rebels and suspects along with the recovery of arms, ammunition, narcotics and other incriminating items.

According to an official statement issued by the Manipur Police Headquarters on Thursday, two active members of the banned militant outfit United National Liberation Front (Pambei faction) were arrested from Lamdeng in Imphal West district on May 20. The arrested individuals were identified as Arambam Tomtom (29) of Heibongpokpi Mayai Leikai in Lamsang and Heisnam Thomas of Mayang Imphal Kokchai. Security personnel recovered one INSAS LMG, three magazines and 14 live rounds of ammunition from their possession.

In another operation conducted the same day near Singngat along National Highway-102B in Churachandpur district, police apprehended two persons, including a Myanmar national. The accused were identified as Khupsiankhai Vualnam (31) from Faimul village in Myanmar and Doukhanlal Thangsing (34) of Suangdai village in Churachandpur district. Police seized a Kenbo motorcycle and 55 soap cases allegedly containing brown sugar weighing around 2.127 kg.

Meanwhile, during a search and vehicle checking drive at Irilbung Police Station check gate in Imphal East district, police arrested two persons identified as Yambem Sudhir Singh alias Sadananda (20) of Thoubal district and Thongam Bishal Singh alias Amujao (26) of Imphal West district. Authorities recovered around 3.3 kg of suspected raw cannabis, one Honda Activa scooter, one two-wheeler motorcycle and two mobile phones from them.

Security forces also conducted a search operation near International Border Pillars 72 and 73 under Moreh Police Station in Tengnoupal district. During the operation, personnel recovered one SLR rifle, a 9 mm pistol with magazine, four radio sets, one radio charger and four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which were later destroyed at the spot.

Police sources further stated that on May 19, security forces arrested an active recruiter of the militant outfit People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (VC faction) from the Minuthong area under Heingang Police Station in Imphal East district. The arrested cadre was identified as Laishram Surjit Meitei alias Nanao (29), originally from Bishnupur district. One mobile phone was seized from his possession.

In a separate development, police arrested a 26-year-old accused identified as Sadaf from the Chekon Auto Parking area in Imphal East district in connection with a sexual assault case registered at the Women Police Station in Imphal East. Further investigation is underway.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash