Imphal, 08 June (HS): Security forces and Manipur Police have intensified their crackdown on insurgency, drug trafficking and other criminal activities across the state, leading to the seizure of large quantities of narcotics and the arrest of eight individuals in separate operations.

According to information released by Manipur Police Headquarters on Monday, security personnel apprehended two persons at the T. Khullen Naka Post under Senapati Police Station on Sunday. The accused, identified as Man Bahadur Bhattarai (24) and Ajay Bania (22), were found in possession of 28.190 kg of opium, a pickup vehicle bearing registration number AS-05AC-9494, cash amounting to ₹5,000 and other incriminating materials.

In another operation conducted the same day, police arrested Salam Brojendro Singh (35), a resident of Andro Kharam Leikai in Imphal East district, from the Sekmaijing Bridge area under Hiyanglam Police Station in Kakching district. Police recovered a Lucent Orange Urban Cruiser Hyryder vehicle (MN-06LX-7716) and 250 litres of illicit country liquor from his possession.

Meanwhile, two more individuals, identified as Pauchinsuan (57) and Tuahamavi (42), were arrested at the Singngat Check Post in Churachandpur district. During checking, security personnel seized a four-wheeler (MZ-01P-8655), 107 soap cases containing suspected contraband weighing 5.143 kg, 1.4 kg of brown sugar and other materials linked to the crime.

Earlier, on June 6, police teams arrested an active member of the banned KCP (MFL) outfit from Langdum Makha Leikai in Imphal East district. The arrested individual, identified as Ningthoujam Yamba Singh alias Boy alias Naocha alias Loijing alias Sanayamba (45), was found carrying a 9 mm pistol and a sling bag.

In a separate case, police had arrested Paominthang Haokip (44) of Chandel district and Islah Uddin (37) of Bishnupur district from Wajing village in Churachandpur. The duo was allegedly in possession of 1.423 kg of suspected brown sugar.

Apart from anti-drug operations, Manipur Police continued its enforcement drive against traffic violations. Between June 1 and June 7, police issued 74 challans for violations of motor vehicle regulations and collected fines amounting to ₹1,31,500.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash