Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, Jul 26: Security forces intensified their anti-insurgency operations across Manipur over the past 24 hours, arresting five militants linked to three banned outfits, seizing a large quantity of arms and explosives, and apprehending two alleged drug traffickers in a series of coordinated raids, officials said on Sunday.
According to police, the arrested militants are affiliated with the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) and the United National Liberation Front (UNLF). They were detained during separate operations in Imphal East, Kakching and Thoubal districts. Investigators said the accused were allegedly involved in extortion through forced "subscription" collection, kidnappings and other unlawful activities.
In Thoubal district, security personnel arrested two active UNLF members from Thoubal Bazar. Preliminary investigations indicated that the duo was allegedly engaged in recruiting new members for the banned insurgent organisation.
The arrested cadres were identified as Mutum Seitaraj Singh alias Samlang (31) and Thounaojam Rakesh Meitei alias Amuba alias Pangeingakpa (35). A Maruti Suzuki Swift allegedly used by the pair during their activities was also seized.
In another operation, security forces raided an automobile workshop at Patsoi Lamkhai along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37) in Imphal West district. During the search, officials recovered 30 soap cases containing 346 grams of suspected brown sugar, estimated to be worth more than Rs 50 lakh in the illegal market.
The two workshop owners were arrested and identified as Sheikh Salauddin (46), a native of Odisha, and Chongtham Anilkumar Singh (38) of Imphal West.
Separate search operations in Imphal West and Ukhrul districts also led to the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons and explosives. The seized items included two modified .303 rifles, four bolt-action single-barrel guns, four 9 mm pistols, a Chinese-made hand grenade, a locally fabricated Pompi gun, a 12-bore rifle, nine live rounds of assorted ammunition, a homemade mortar shell, an improvised explosive device (IED), and 15 barrel cartridges.
Officials said security forces, comprising both Central and state agencies, have further intensified search operations and area domination exercises across sensitive and vulnerable locations, including fringe and mixed-population areas, as part of ongoing efforts to curb insurgent activities.
To strengthen security, authorities have established 112 nakas and checkpoints across both valley and hill districts to monitor the movement of militants, anti-social elements and suspicious vehicles. Armed escorts are also being provided to trucks and other vehicles transporting essential commodities along the crucial Imphal-Jiribam NH-37.
Meanwhile, the Manipur Police urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid falling prey to rumours or misinformation circulating on social media. People have been advised to verify information before sharing it and to report fake videos or fabricated messages to the authorities.