Imphal, May 27: Security forces and Manipur Police conducted a series of operations across the state over two days, leading to the arrest of several alleged cadres linked to banned insurgent organisations and the recovery of arms, explosives and communication equipment from different locations.
An alleged active cadre of the proscribed PREPAK outfit, identified as Thingujam Gulapi Singh (45), a resident of Ningomthong Sairom Leirak in Imphal East district, was arrested on May 26 from Kakwa Lilando Lampak under Singjamei Police Station in Imphal West district. Security personnel recovered a mobile phone, an Aadhaar card and a Hero Pleasure scooter from his possession.
In another operation on the same day, security forces apprehended an alleged active cadre of PLA, identified as Waikhom Shanta Singh alias Torbot (32), a resident of Sabungkhok Mamang Leikai, from the Nongada Kameng area under Lamlai Police Station in Imphal East district.
Security personnel also arrested Ayekpam Dharmendra Singh (48), allegedly a self-styled captain of RPF/PLA, from his current residence under Irilbung Police Station. He was reportedly known by multiple aliases, including Dhamen, Thawanthaba, Kunjo, Brojen and Thawailakpa. A mobile phone and an Aadhaar card were recovered during the operation.
Earlier, security forces had arrested two alleged cadres associated with different underground organisations from Mayai Keithel near Forest Gate under Nongpok Sekmai Police Station in Thoubal district. The arrested individuals were identified as Changubam Nganba Meitei alias Meiraba alias Thouba (21), allegedly linked to RPF/PLA, and a juvenile suspected to be associated with NRFM.
Meanwhile, security forces carried out an operation under Litan Police Station in Ukhrul district and demolished three illegal bunkers. Officials said one bunker was located at Patleijang village, while two others were destroyed at Roudei village in the T.M. Kasom area.
During the operation, security personnel recovered an improvised explosive device weighing approximately five kilograms, two pompi guns, two Baofeng radio sets with a charger, three live 12-bore cartridges and 12 empty cases of different calibres.
In a separate search operation conducted in the forest area of Hengkot village under Churachandpur Police Station, security forces recovered a substantial cache of arms and explosives.
The recovered items included an MK-II rifle, an AK-47 rifle with two magazines, a .303 rifle, a 12-bore rifle, several country-made weapons, two SBML guns, an SBBL gun and five improvised explosive devices.
Officials also seized wireless communication handsets, a country-made launcher, magazine pouches, camouflage jungle boots, a camouflage hat, live rounds of ammunition and empty cartridges from the site.
Further investigation into the cases is underway.
