Manipur: Huge cache of weapons, explosives seized; 3 militants arrested

Imphal: Security forces seized a substantial cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives after arresting three militants of different underground groups in separate counterinsurgency operations in the Manipur valley districts, officials stated on Sunday.

Security forces on Saturday recovered the illegal items from the adjoining areas of Ngairangbam and Longa Koireng villages under Patsoi police station in Imphal West district.

The seized items included two single-barreled rifles, five pistols with one magazine each, five grenades, two locally-made pipe bombs, 60 rounds of ammunition of different calibers, three hand-held sets, one bulletproof vest with two iron plates, and two helmets.

Three persons associated with various underground outfits were also apprehended during operations carried out in the Imphal East, Imphal West, and Kakching districts.

They were accused of extorting money from government schools and colleges in Imphal East district. Security forces also recovered three mobile phones with SIM cards from them.

One of the arrested individuals was Moirangthem Ramesh Meitei (32) of Yairipok Bamon Leikai under Yairipok police station in Thoubal district, a cadre of the outlawed People’s Liberation Army (PLA). He was detained from his locality.

In another operation at Kakching Phousupat Leikai in Kakching district, Mayanglambam Ronit Singh (22), also associated with the PLA, was arrested from a hideout.

A third individual, identified as Khundrakpam Kiran Singh (26) of Moirang Sendra Laisoi Leikai in Bishnupur district, was apprehended from the Canchipur area under Singjamei police station in Imphal West.

He was found to be an active cadre of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party–Meeyamgi Phingang Lanmii (KCP MFL), and two mobile phones along with incriminating documents were recovered from him.

The report added that all three individuals are currently at the respective police stations for further legal proceedings.