Security forces seize arms in Manipur as President Murmu begins two-day visit

Imphal: Security forces intensified anti-insurgency operations with the arrest of an underground cadre and the seizure of arms, ammunition, and explosives, even as President of India Droupadi Murmu arrived in Manipur's Imphal on Thursday, the first day of her two-day official visit to the sensitive border state.

She will leave Imphal for the national capital on Friday afternoon after attending a state function in Imphal and another in Senapati district headquarters, officials said.

On the first day of her stay in Imphal, security forces apprehended an active cadre of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (Taibanganba).

Kshetrimayum Deben, also known as Aka Singh (43) of Kakching Sumuk Leikai in Kakching district, was arrested from the Kakching Turel Wangma locality under Kakching Police Station.

In another phase of the operation, security forces recovered illegal items from the adjoining foothill areas of Jairolpokpi and Uchathol under Jiribam Police Station in Jiribam district.

The seized items include:
i. 02 Pompi guns
ii. 02 IEDs (2 kg each)
iii. 01 Para bomb (illumination)
iv. 01 12-bore single-barrel gun with one ammunition pouch
v. 04 country-made single-barrel guns
vi. 46 rounds of ammunition of different calibres
vii. 33 empty cases
viii. 03 Pompi shells
ix. 03 Baofeng walkie-talkie sets
x. 01 Baofeng walkie-talkie charging base

Additionally, upon her arrival at Imphal International Airport, the President of India was accorded an impressive Guard of Honour by an all-women contingent of the Manipur Police.