Imphal, 15 July (HS): Security forces intensified counter-insurgency operations across Manipur over the last 24 hours, recovering a large cache of arms, explosives and military equipment from forested areas of Churachandpur district while arresting a man with an AK-56 rifle in Imphal East.

During separate operations at Gothol and K. Thenjang villages under Churachandpur Police Station on Tuesday, joint teams recovered INSAS and AK rifles, pistols, country-made firearms, hand grenades, IEDs, RPG ammunition, explosives, communication equipment, bulletproof jackets, helmets, military gear and a large quantity of live and empty ammunition.

In another operation, security forces arrested Sanasam Ibocha alias Abocha Singh (42) from Uyumpok Mamang Leikai in Imphal East district. An AK-56 rifle, a .32 pistol with magazine and 27 rounds of AK-56 live ammunition were seized from his possession.

A combined team of Manipur Police and the 19 Garhwal Rifles carried out the recovery operation at K. Thenjang village, leading to the seizure of arms, explosives and other warlike stores.

Meanwhile, security forces also arrested an alleged extortionist, identified as Sagolshem Leishemba alias Ibungo (28), an active cadre of the KCP (Nongdrenkhomba) group, from the Langjing Achouba area in Imphal West district.

Separately, an intelligence-based operation is underway in the TM Kasom, Litan and Sikibung areas to trace those responsible for the July 6 ambush on security forces in Ukhrul district. Three persons have been detained for questioning. Authorities said farming activities, commercial establishments and traffic along National Highway-202 continue to function normally despite the ongoing operations.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash