Imphal, 14 August (HS): Security forces and Manipur Police carried out a series of operations across several districts of Manipur over the last 24 hours, resulting in the recovery of a large quantity of arms, ammunition and explosives, besides the arrest of several suspected insurgent cadres and drug-related accused persons.

On August 14, security forces recovered arms and other items from Awa-Ching under Porompat Police Station in Imphal East district. The recovery included one .32 pistol with magazine, two 12-bore double-barrel guns, 13 12-bore single-barrel guns, one .22 rifle with magazine and telescope, two 9 mm pistols with magazines, six hand grenades with detonators, three BAOFENG wireless sets, 14 rounds of ammunition of different calibres, three anti-riot grenades, rubber bullets and tear-smoke shells.

On August 13, a police team led by SDPO Mayang Imphal arrested two persons from the Irong Khunou area under Mayang Imphal Police Station and recovered 102 suspected WY tablets and eight suspected SP tablets. The arrested persons were Baseimayum Thoiba alias Hafijuddin of Lilong Chingkham Makha and Md. Meraimayum Abdul Kalam alias Baboy of Lilong Dam Mathak.

In another operation conducted earlier at Joupi and Khoirok villages in Kangpokpi district, joint teams of Manipur Police, CRPF, CoBRA and RAF recovered one .22 rifle with magazine, five single-barrel guns, four walkie-talkie sets, six chargers, 158 12-bore cartridges and six empty cases. Two residents of Joupi village, Henminthang Haokip (31) and Jamminlal Kipgen (25), were also apprehended.

In another operation, CDO-BPR arrested UNLF (Koireng) cadre Yumkhaibam Brojen (51), a resident of Sajirok Mayai Leikai, Imphal West, in connection with a kidnapping and shooting case. He was arrested from his locality under Patsoi Police Station.

On August 13, CDO-IW arrested an alleged RPF/PLA member, Ningombam Ibomcha Meetei (58), alias Biramangol, from his residence at Sagolband Mabudhou Mantri Leikai in Imphal West district. Security forces also arrested RPF/PLA cadres Ningthoujam Khema Meitei alias Inao (49) from the Kakching Irumpal area and Amom Ingocha Singh alias Chumthang (57) from his residence at Wangoo Heinouyam Awang Leikai in Kakching.

During a search operation at Kailenjang village under Senapati Police Station on August 13, security forces recovered five SBBL guns, one 9 mm pistol, two Chinese hand grenades, 13 rounds of ammunition of different calibres and 33 empty cases.

Meanwhile, a joint operation by Churachandpur District Police and CRPF, in coordination with local women’s CSOs, was conducted at T. Khajang village and adjoining areas under Singhat Police Station on August 13. An illegal distillery was located and destroyed, with around 2,000 litres of DIC liquor seized. Nineteen metal pots, 24 small drums and two boxes of dry yeast were also recovered.

In another operation under Senapati Police Station, Manipur Police arrested Imliakum Longkumer (46), a resident of Longa village in Mokokchung, Nagaland, during frisking and checking at Khongnem Thana village on August 13. Police recovered 37 soap cases weighing 446 grams and a four-wheeler Bolero from his possession.

Further investigation into the recovered arms, ammunition, suspected drugs and the arrested persons is underway.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash