manipur-police-arrest-militants-seize-arms-cache-in-joint-ops

Manipur Police and security forces have arrested multiple militants and recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition in a series of coordinated operations across the state over the past few days. In one such operation conducted on June 22, Manipur Police arrested an active cadre of the proscribed RPF/PLA near Khumanlampak, close to the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) in Imphal West district. The arrested individual has been identified as Oinam Dhanaraj Singh alias Abung (29), a resident of Leirongthel Pitra in Yairipok, Thoubal district. A scooter was seized from his possession.

 

In a separate operation on June 21, security personnel apprehended two alleged extortionists linked to the KCP (MFL) from Thoubal Bazar under Thoubal Police Station. The accused have been identified as Abujam Sumit Singh alias Tangbi (20), currently residing in Pheidinga in Imphal West district, and Makuchung Gangmei (23) of Khoupum Gahtao in Noney district. Authorities recovered 48 donation cards from their possession, indicating involvement in extortion activities.

 

Meanwhile, a major joint operation involving Manipur Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Rapid Action Force (RAF), COBRA commandos, and the Army was carried out across several areas, including Leilon Vaiphei, Leilon Munlui, Molhoi, P. Moulding, and Leilon Khunou.

 

The operation, launched on June 20 based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of armed militants, reportedly led to an exchange of fire between security forces and suspected militants. The search and combing operations continued over the next two days.

 

Security forces recovered a substantial cache of weapons, including two AK-47 rifles, one M4 Carbine, two Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), one SKS rifle, an improvised sniper .303 rifle, 17 single-barreled and double-barreled guns, and 11 SBL rifles. In addition, assorted ammunition, communication equipment, and other war-like stores were seized.

 

Officials stated that search operations and area domination exercises are ongoing in vulnerable areas as part of intensified efforts to curb militant activities and dismantle extortion networks in the state.