Imphal: Manipur’s security forces have stepped up their operations across the state, registering significant successes against drug trafficking and insurgency between May 22 and 23. These intensified efforts led to substantial drug seizures, the apprehension of militant operatives, and heightened security surveillance, reflecting a concerted push to restore peace and order.
In a major breakthrough on May 23, law enforcement officials apprehended 46-year-old Chigenvung from her home in Churachandpur District. The operation yielded 25 soap cases packed with suspected brown sugar, weighing a total of 289 grams. Alongside the illicit drugs, authorities also seized Rs 8 lakh in cash and a mobile phone, pointing to a well-oiled trafficking network.
This bust followed a significant seizure the day prior, on May 22, when security forces nabbed 52-year-old Doukholet Hanghal from Mongkot Khopi village, also in Churachandpur. This operation proved particularly fruitful, recovering a staggering 870 grams of brown sugar, estimated to be worth approximately Rs 1.74 crore in the black market. Additionally, 260 grams of suspected heroin, valued around Rs 52 lakh, were found, along with Rs 29.5 lakh in cash, believed to be proceeds from drug peddling. Two Baofeng radio sets, a mobile phone, and an Aadhaar card were also confiscated, providing further leads into the illicit trade.
The crackdown wasn’t limited to narcotics. In a targeted operation, 21-year-old Jameson Ngangbam, an active cadre of the proscribed outfit PREPAK and a resident of Imphal West District, was apprehended near Taret River in Kamjong District. Authorities recovered a 9 mm pistol loaded with six live rounds from his possession, underscoring the ongoing efforts to neutralize insurgent threats.
Beyond these high-profile arrests, police initiated a special drive to enforce traffic regulations, removing tinted glasses from nine vehicles. Simultaneously, security forces conducted extensive search and area domination operations across vulnerable hill and valley regions, aiming to maintain stringent law and order.
In a move to ensure the uninterrupted flow of essential supplies, the movement of 197 vehicles carrying vital commodities along NH-37 was facilitated. These convoys were provided with strict security arrangements, particularly in sensitive stretches, highlighting the authorities’ commitment to maintaining normalcy.
Overall, a total of 112 checkpoints were established across the state during this period. These routine checks led to the detention of 11 individuals, further demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the security forces’ ongoing efforts.