Imphal, 27 March (HS): In a series of coordinated operations across Manipur, security forces on Thursday recovered a cache of arms and explosives, while also apprehending an active insurgent and two individuals linked to narcotics trafficking in separate incidents.

Acting on specific inputs, a search operation was carried out in the forested stretches of Tuinomjang and Sanasabi under Yaingangpokpi Police Station in Imphal East district. The operation led to the seizure of multiple weapons and equipment, including a .22 pistol with magazine, a .22 rifle, a country-made carbine, a pompi gun fitted with a bipod and a country-made single barrel gun. In addition, security personnel recovered a camouflage bulletproof jacket with plates, a Baofeng walkie-talkie, a 51 mm mortar high-explosive bomb, 10 rounds of .22 ammunition and an empty SLR magazine.

In another development, security forces arrested an active cadre of the RPF/PLA, identified as Seram Chingloiba Meieti alias Tomei alias Tom (27), from his residence at Khurai Angom Maning Leikai under Lamlai Police Station in Imphal East district.

Meanwhile, in a separate anti-narcotics operation, two individuals were taken into custody from the Meitram area under Nambol Police Station in Bishnupur district. The arrested persons have been identified as Kasimthai Rongmei (32) of Luangchung Part-I in Noney district and Gaikhuluanlung Ruangmei (46) of Khongshang in Noney district.

Security forces recovered a four-wheeler, 150 soap cases of Heroin No. 4 weighing approximately 1.7 kilograms and five mobile phones from their possession.

Further investigation is underway in all cases.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash