Imphal, 25 May (HS): Security forces arrested five militants belonging to different insurgent outfits during separate operations carried out in Manipur’s Churachandpur and Imphal regions over the last 48 hours. A cache of arms, ammunition and other incriminating items were recovered during the operations.

According to the official information by Manipur Police on Monday, in one operation, security personnel apprehended 24-year-old Jehova Raja Dutta from Edenthar Rengkai village under Churachandpur Police Station. Acting on specific inputs, the forces raided his residence and recovered an INSAS rifle along with four magazines, 36 live rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, a camouflage bulletproof vest and a mobile phone.

In another crackdown on the same day, two active cadres of the Manipur Revolutionary Army (MRA) were arrested from Wangkhei Ayangpalli Road in Imphal. The arrested individuals were identified as Ningthoujam Vicky Singh alias Munal (30) of Kongba Nandeibam Leikai in Imphal East and Ningthoujam Ishworchandra Singh alias Loiya alias Thawailakpa (24) of Laphupat Tera Mayai Leikai in Imphal West, presently residing at Langjing Makha Leikai. Security forces recovered three mobile phones, an Aadhaar card and a two-wheeler from their possession.

Meanwhile, in an another operation, two active members of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) were arrested from the Nghathal area under Churachandpur Police Station. The arrested cadres were identified as Thongpi Guite (33) and Shokhomang Baite (40). During the operation, security forces seized an AK-47 rifle with a magazine, a 9 mm pistol with a magazine, 31 live rounds of ammunition of various calibres, two hand grenades and two mobile phones.

Security agencies stated that further investigation is underway to ascertain the involvement of the arrested militants in unlawful activities across the state.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash