Imphal, 19 July (HS): Security forces carried out a series of successful operations across Manipur over the last 24 hours, arresting militants, drug traffickers and extortionists, besides recovering a large cache of arms and ammunition.

In a major anti-drug operation under the ongoing War On Drugs campaign, security forces arrested Md. Yusub alias Kaki alias Jakir (41) from the Khuman Lampak area of Imphal on July 18. The team seized approximately 6.2 kg of crystal methamphetamine (Ice drugs) packed in six packets along with a TVS Jupiter scooter.

In another operation on the same day, an active United Revolutionary Front (URF) cadre, Md. Leihimuddin alias Yangba (37), was apprehended from his residence in Khurai Heikrumakhong Khomidok Bazar under Heingang Police Station in Imphal East district.

Security personnel also intercepted a Bolero vehicle at Thingkangphai village in Churachandpur district and recovered 81 soap cases suspected to contain brown sugar. The driver, Mangkhanthang Kipgen (33) of Hengjol village, was arrested. He is suspected to be wanted in multiple NDPS cases being investigated by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).

In connection with the abduction and killing of six Naga individuals, a joint team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Manipur Police and CRPF arrested two accused on July 18. The arrested persons have been identified as Lungoulal Vaiphei of Leilon Vaiphei village and Lunminthang Sitlhou alias Jack of Molhoi village in Kangpokpi district. Efforts are underway to apprehend other persons linked to the case.

During another operation near Zero Point in Kotlen, Kangpokpi district, security forces recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, including one .22 rifle, 15 single-barrel rifles, three 9 mm pistols, one .22 pistol, five improvised mortars, 107 live rounds of various calibres, 205 fired cartridge cases, four Motorola batteries and one PEK.

In a separate operation, security forces arrested an alleged extortionist and active KCP (City Meitei) cadre, Khundongbam Ithoi Singh (32), from his residence in Imphal East district.

In an another operation near the Indo-Myanmar border in Chandel district, an active KYKL cadre, Yangabam Boicha Meitei alias Boinao (29), was arrested with a country-made .22 pistol and a Motorola communication set.

The operations are part of intensified security measures aimed at curbing insurgency, narcotics trafficking and organised crime across the state.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash