Imphal, 25 August (HS): Security forces arrested several suspected insurgent cadres and recovered a large quantity of arms, ammunition and communication equipment during separate operations in Manipur over the last 24 hours, officials said.

On August 24, acting on intelligence inputs corroborated by 28 Assam Rifles, the CDO/Imphal East arrested two active members of SOREPA from Khurai Thangjam Leikai. The duo, identified as Laitonjam Rocky Singh alias Khutan (37) and Pukhrambam Kumarjit Singh (36), had allegedly come to the area for extortion. A handwritten extortion slip bearing a mobile number and the name SOREPA was also seized from them.

In another operation, a joint team of Manipur Police, CRPF, RAF and CoBRA conducted a cordon-and-search operation at J. Songtun village in Kangpokpi district. The operation led to the recovery of two country-made 12-bore guns, 14 other 12-bore guns bearing different manufacturer, serial and licence markings and 1,225 rounds of 12-bore ammunition. Security forces also recovered six VHF/wireless sets with three chargers, a Golden Antler telescope, 18 BP vests and one pouch.

Officials said that during the withdrawal of the security forces, villagers, mainly women, blocked the road with stones and demanded the return of the firearms and ammunition, which they claimed were unverified. The situation was subsequently brought under control by the security forces.

Meanwhile, the CDO-Kakching conducted a search operation at Kiyamgei Awang Leikai under Irilbung Police Station in Imphal East district and arrested an active cadre of RPF/PLA, identified as Nameirakpam Sanju Meitei alias Nganba (35). Security forces recovered one AK rifle, one SMG carbine, nine magazines, 737 rounds of ammunition of different calibres, three BP plates and three BP jackets from his possession.

In a separate frisking and checking operation earlier 3, CDO-IW personnel arrested Oinam Gipson Singh (26), alias Gypsy alias Cheichatpa, from Moidangpok Maning Leikai. A .32 pistol along with a magazine loaded with four rounds of .32 ammunition was recovered from him.

The operations are part of continuing security measures against armed groups and extortion-related activities in Manipur.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash