Imphal, Feb 24: Security forces stepped up their offensive against insurgent networks in Manipur over the weekend, arresting an active cadre of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (Military Faction) and recovering a significant cache of arms, ammunition and communication equipment in operations spanning three districts.
The coordinated drives, conducted on February 22 and 23 across Imphal East, Thoubal and Chandel districts, resulted in the apprehension of Khaidem Joychandra Meitei alias Inaocha (55), identified as an active member of KCP (MFL). He was arrested from Lamlai Mamang Leikai Samu Lambel under Lamlai Police Station in Imphal East district on February 23. Officials said 50 rounds of 7.62×39 mm live ammunition meant for AK-series rifles were recovered from his possession. Authorities described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle underground networks operating in the valley areas.
In a separate operation the same day, security personnel recovered a substantial stockpile of weapons and related items from Tentha Erel Ching under Khongjom Police Station in Thoubal district. The seized materials included an SMG carbine with a magazine, three bolt-action rifles, two single-barrel breech-loading guns, a .32 pistol with a magazine, one .32 live round, a 9 mm blank cartridge and three helmets. Officials indicated that the recovery reflected continued attempts by militant groups to conceal arms in remote and semi-forested locations.
A day earlier, on February 22, search operations were carried out in the area between T. Bollok and L. Molhoi villages under Chakpikarong Police Station in Chandel district. During the operation, security forces seized a G-3 rifle with an empty magazine, three country-made Lathode guns, two single-barrel guns, three locally made Pompi shells, four Pompi guns, two locally made carbines with empty magazines, two magazine pouches, 55 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition for AK rifles, eight Baofeng radio sets and a dagger with its cover.
The back-to-back operations underscored the intensified push by security agencies to curb insurgent activity and disrupt the supply of arms and logistics to militant outfits operating in the state.
