Imphal, Jan 24: Security forces arrested an active cadre of the National Revolutionary Front of Manipur (NRFM) during an intelligence-led operation in the sensitive border town of Moreh in Tengnoupal district on January 21, officials said.
The arrested militant has been identified as Waikhom Athoi, also known as Sidaba, 28, a resident of Khabam Lamkhai under Heingang police station in Imphal East district. He was apprehended from the Pangal Basti area of Moreh, close to Border Pillar Number 79, which lies along the Indo-Myanmar border and falls under the jurisdiction of Moreh police station.
During the operation, security personnel recovered a pistol and ammunition from his possession, highlighting the persistent security challenges in border areas affected by insurgent activity. The seized items included a 9 mm pistol with two magazines, 30 rounds of live 9 mm ammunition along with an ammunition pouch, a mobile phone with an active SIM card, a wristwatch and a torchlight.
Officials said the arrest was carried out based on specific intelligence inputs and forms part of ongoing efforts to curb the movement and activities of armed groups operating in and around border regions. Further investigation is underway to determine the accused’s role within the outfit, trace his operational network and examine any possible cross-border connections.
