Imphal, July 6: Manipur Police and security forces arrested four suspected militants in separate operations across the state while recovering a significant cache of arms, ammunition and communication equipment during a search operation in Kangpokpi district.
In the first operation on July 4, police arrested an alleged active cadre of the KCP (MFL), identified as Soram Manaoton Meitei alias Yening alias Udupa (32), from the Andro area in Imphal East district. A resident of Moreh Heinoumakhong Ward No. 7 in Tengnoupal district, he was reportedly staying at Zomi Villa in North AOC, Imphal. Police seized a scooter and a mobile phone from his possession.
Later the same day, security personnel arrested three alleged extortionists said to be active cadres of the UNLF (Pambei) from the Keikhu area under Porompat Police Station in Imphal East district. The arrested individuals were identified as Elangbam Tomba Singh (44) of Bamon Kampu Awang Leikai, presently residing at Naharup Huirem Leikai; Patrick Golmei (44) of Keikhu Mayai Leikai; and Athokpam Borish Singh (34) of Naharup Huirem Leikai.
In a separate search operation conducted on July 5, security forces recovered a large quantity of arms and ammunition from the Koubru hill range near Mangjol village under Gamnom Sapermeina Police Station in Kangpokpi district.
The recovered items included one 5.56 mm INSAS rifle with a magazine, 24 single-barrel breech-loading (SBBL) guns, one double-barrel breech-loading (DBBL) gun, one country-made pistol, two pompis, one locally made hand grenade, 35 rounds of ammunition of different calibres and two walkie-talkie sets.
Security forces said search operations and area domination exercises are continuing in vulnerable locations across Manipur as part of ongoing efforts to curb militant activities, recover illegal weapons and maintain law and order.
