Imphal, 05 July (HS): Manipur Police and central security forces have intensified operations against insurgents, arms smugglers and criminal networks across the state, leading to the seizure of a large cache of illegal weapons and ammunition and the arrest of several militants involved in extortion.

According to an official statement issued by the Manipur Police Headquarters on Sunday, three active members of the KCP (PWG) outfit were arrested from separate locations in Imphal East and Imphal West districts on Saturday for their involvement in extortion. The arrested accused were identified as Ningombam Ajitkumar Singh alias Abung alias Khagemba (46), Laishram Surjit Meitei alias Kadamba (43) and Laishram Birjit Singh alias Khuman (35). A Honda Activa scooter and other incriminating materials were recovered from their possession.

In another operation, police recovered two Beretta pistols, two .32 pistols, two single-barrel guns, 12 grenades, seven magazines and 1,242 rounds of assorted ammunition from Salungpham Uyok Ching hilltop under Heirok Police Station in Thoubal district. Security forces also seized nine single-bore rifles, two 9mm pistols, two improvised mortars, a hand grenade and 94 rounds of ammunition from the Mombi village area under Molcham Police Station in Chandel district.

Earlier, on July 3, police arrested an active extortion cadre of the UNLF (P), Chandam Girchandra Singh (34), from the Mantripukhri area in Imphal East district. In a separate rescue operation launched on the basis of information received from Assam's Titabor Police Station, Manipur Police rescued two Assam residents who had allegedly been illegally confined in Changta village under Lungchong Maiphei Police Station in Ukhrul district. Further legal proceedings are underway, police said.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash