Imphal, 27 August (HS): Security forces and police arrested several suspected insurgent cadres and seized a substantial quantity of suspected brown sugar and arms during separate operations across Manipur over the last 24 hours, officials informed on Thursday.

A joint team of SOT Senapati Police, D-78 CRPF, QAT B-109 and 16 Assam Rifles arrested 23-year-old Muhammad Safiqur Rahaman at T Khullen Naka Check Post. The team seized 27 soap cases containing about 360 grams of suspected brown sugar and an Omni vehicle.

In another anti-narcotics operation at Khoiren Tampak, Motbung, a joint team of ANTF/Imphal East-District Police, CRPF and Kangpokpi District Police arrested 32-year-old Paocha Kipgen. Around 2.35 kg of suspected brown sugar, a Bajaj diesel auto and a mobile phone were recovered.

Separate operations also led to the arrest of suspected active cadres of KCP (PWG), RPF/PLA and SOREPA. Those arrested included Aribam Shivashwor Sharma alias Mellow, Ningombam Punshiba Singh alias Nanao/Selungba, Sanglenmayum Sanjit Singh alias Mani and Laihaorungbam Sanatomba Singh alias Ashok/Tayai.

The 5 Assam Rifles also arrested and handed over suspected UKNA cadre Satngam Doungel to Churachandpur Police. A 9mm Beretta pistol, five rounds of ammunition and a magazine were recovered from his possession.

Meanwhile, a joint search operation by CDO-IW and 33 Assam Rifles at Phayeng Apun Lok river side resulted in the recovery of a CMG, a modified .303 rifle, seven pistols of different calibres, five single-barrel guns, one double-barrel gun and two hand grenades.

Earlier, Moirang Police and CDO Bishnupur arrested alleged KCP (PWG) extortionist cadre Samom Michael Singh alias Achouba Meetei. Further legal proceedings are underway in all the cases.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash