Imphal, 26 June (HS): Security forces carried out a series of coordinated operations across Manipur over the last 24 hours, leading to the arrest of two militants, two alleged drug traffickers and the recovery of a huge cache of arms, ammunition and explosives from multiple districts.

According to the official information on Saturday, an active cadre of the KCP (PWG), identified as Buyamayum Pingku (27), a resident of Khomidok Masjid Maning in Imphal East district, was apprehended from Khomidok Umang Leikai on Friday.

In a separate operation, an active member of the UNLF (P), Md. Azad Khan (46) of Bishnupur district, was arrested from Sangaiprou FCI Road in Imphal West district. He was allegedly involved in the illegal sale of arms. A Tata Safari DiCOR vehicle was also seized from his possession.

Security personnel also recovered two country-made single-barrel firearms along with 49 cartridges from Joujangtek under Khoupum Police Station in Noney district.

A major search operation in the hill ranges between Maohing village and North Changoubung in Kangpokpi district resulted in the seizure of an AK-47 rifle, a 9 mm carbine, two .303 rifles, four pistols, 29 single-barrel guns, 129 live rounds of different calibres, improvised bombs, hand grenades, PEK explosive material, pumpis and three Baofeng radio sets.

In another recovery, one SMG carbine with a magazine and five bolt-action rifles were seized from the foothills of Tentha Samuching under Khongjom Police Station in Thoubal district.

Meanwhile, two suspected drug peddlers were arrested in separate raids. Md. Sahid Rahman (31) was found in possession of 45 grams of suspected heroin, while Md. Salauddin alias Imuba (38) was allegedly carrying 39.11 grams of the contraband. Both were arrested from their respective residences in Thoubal district.

Police said further investigation into all the cases is underway.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash