Imphal, May 13: Security forces intensified counter-insurgency operations across Manipur on May 11 and 12, leading to the arrest of several active cadres linked to banned militant outfits and the recovery of a huge cache of arms, explosives and communication equipment from vulnerable areas of the state.
An active cadre of the proscribed outfit Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) was arrested from Nongada Makha Leikai under Lamlai Police Station in Imphal East district on May 12. The arrested individual was identified as Toijam Sanamani Meetei (48), a resident of Nongada Awang Leikai.
In another operation conducted on May 11, security personnel recovered an improvised explosive device (IED) from the Tronglaobi Maning Gurukhana area under Moirang Police Station in Bishnupur district. The seized items included a wireless-controlled relay switch with batteries, gunpowder-filled plastic pouches, detonators, red wires, electric wires and safety fuse wires.
A major arms recovery operation was also carried out on May 12 from Loktak Mapal near Keipha Road under Moirang Police Station in Bishnupur district. During the search, security forces recovered a bolt-action rifle, a 9 mm pistol, mortar shells, HE-36 hand grenades, smoke grenades, gelatin sticks, anti-aircraft ammunition, ballistic cartridges, shotgun shells, stun grenades, a Baofeng radio set and bulletproof plates, among other war-like stores.
In a separate search operation conducted at the Laisoi area under Keibul Lamjao Police Station in Bishnupur district, forces recovered two bolt-action rifles, a country-made pistol, rocket mortars, two IEDs weighing around four kilograms each, hand grenades, mortar shells, tube-launching rounds, bulletproof jackets and helmets, detonators, communication handsets, para bombs and other incriminating materials concealed inside sacks.
Security forces also arrested an active cadre of the KCP (PWG), identified as Khulem Shyam Singh (23), from Langol Laimanai under Lamphel Police Station in Imphal West district. Two mobile phones and an Aadhaar acknowledgment receipt were seized from his possession.
Another militant linked to the NRFM, identified as Ningthoujam Thoiba Meitei alias Ton (27), was arrested from Checkon Crossing under Porompat Police Station. He is originally from Khumujamba Leikai in Churachandpur district and was residing at New Checkon in Imphal East district.
Meanwhile, an active cadre of PREPAK, identified as Nepram Dijamani Meetei (52), was apprehended from the Canchipur Super Market area under Singjamei Police Station in Imphal West district. Security personnel recovered 11 PREPAK demand letters allegedly signed by the outfit’s finance wing along with a mobile phone from his possession.
Authorities said search operations and area domination exercises are continuing in fringe and vulnerable zones across Manipur as part of intensified security measures.
Security was also heightened along National Highway-37, where the movement of 156 vehicles carrying essential commodities was escorted under armed protection to ensure uninterrupted supply and safe transit through sensitive stretches.
Additionally, police and security agencies established 115 nakas and checkpoints across hill and valley districts as part of enhanced surveillance and anti-insurgency operations across the state.
