Imphal, Jan 11: Manipur Police have arrested two senior cadres of the banned militant outfit Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP–Noyon) in connection with a coordinated shooting incident at three locations in Imphal West district on January 9.
The arrests were made after investigators analysed CCTV footage from the crime scenes at Langjing Achouba, Ghari and Sangaiprou, which helped establish the identities of the suspects. Police detained Khaidem Ranjit, 65, from Sagolband Moirang Hanuba, and Sanasam Biramangol, 63, from Phumlou, on January 10.
During the operation, police recovered an M-20 pistol with live ammunition allegedly used in the attacks, along with three motorcycles and a mobile phone. Officials said the two accused are suspected to be involved in at least eight shooting incidents, including a previous attack on the residence of Dr Loken at Uripok in Imphal West.
In a separate operation the same day, security forces recovered a large cache of weapons from Awlmun village in Kangpokpi district. The seizure included an AK-47 rifle, six other firearms, four improvised mortars, two hand grenades, 38 rounds of ammunition and military-grade items such as combat clothing and a hand-held radio set.
Additional recoveries were reported from other districts on January 10. Security personnel found a suspected locally manufactured weapon during long-range patrols near Monghlam in Imphal East district, while a single-barrelled rifle was seized from the Siden and Changpikot villages area in Churachandpur district.
Police said investigations into the shooting incidents and the arms recoveries are ongoing, and further action will be taken based on the findings.
