Imphal, July 5: Manipur Police arrested an alleged extortionist linked to the proscribed United National Liberation Front (Pambei) [UNLF (P)] during a security operation in Imphal East district, while separate search operations in Chandel and Thoubal districts led to the recovery of a large cache of arms, grenades and ammunition.
The arrested individual was identified as 34-year-old Chandam Geetchandra Singh, a resident of Sanjenbam Mayai Leikai in Imphal East district. Police said he had been staying at the Reliance Trends building in Paona Bazar and was apprehended from the Mantripukhri area under Heingang Police Station on July 3. According to the police, Singh is an active cadre of the banned UNLF (P) and was allegedly involved in extortion activities.
In a separate operation conducted on July 4, security forces recovered a significant quantity of arms and ammunition from the general area of Mombi village under Molcham Police Station in Chandel district. The seizure included nine single-barrel rifles, two 9 mm pistols along with magazines, two improvised mortars, one stick hand grenade and 94 rounds of ammunition of different calibres.
Another search operation carried out on the same day at the hilltop of Salungpham Uyok Ching under Heirok Police Station in Thoubal district resulted in the recovery of additional weapons and explosives. Security personnel seized two Beretta pistols with magazines, two .32 calibre pistols with magazines, two single-barrel firearms, 12 grenades, seven magazines for various weapons and 1,242 rounds of ammunition of different calibres.
Police said the operations were part of ongoing efforts to curb insurgent activities and recover illegal arms from vulnerable areas. Further investigation is underway.
