Imphal: In a major crackdown on insurgent activities, security forces in Manipur arrested seven suspected Kuki National Army (KNA) cadres and seized a large cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives during operations conducted on February 14 in Churachandpur and Tengnoupal districts.
The arrests were made during area domination and patrolling in the general area south of Old Khaukual village, under Sangaikot Police Station, Churachandpur district. The arrested individuals have been identified as Seikhogin Haokip (37), Ngamlenmang Mate (25), Seikhomang Haokip (25), Thanglelmang Haokip (27), Jamkhosei Haokip (32), Lhunkholal Khongsai (34), and Mangkhangthang Kipgen (35).
Security personnel seized a cache of arms and equipment, including two AK-47 rifles, a 7.62 Assault Rifle, three single-bore rifles, 10 AK-47 magazines, 654 live 7.62mm rounds, 19 single-bore cartridges, six cell phones, three Baofeng radio sets, four power banks, a dynamo with a battery, three khukris, three magazine pouches, four shoulder bags, a torch, and a Maruti Gypsy.
In another search operation at Senam village in Tengnoupal district, security forces seized additional weapons and explosives, including one 9mm pistol with a magazine (local-made), a 7.65mm pistol (Russian-made), two improvised long-range mortars, 15 improvised explosive devices (weighing 70 kg in total), various live rounds, four 36-hand grenades, 10 electric detonators, and five Detonator No. 8 units.
Additionally, another operation in Tengnoupal District led to the recovery of two 12-bore pump guns, a single-barrel rifle (local-made), four 36-hand grenades, two Motorola radio sets with batteries (Baofeng), and 94 rounds of 12-bore ammunition from areas near Border Pillar No. 73 and 74.
The arrests and recoveries mark a significant success for security forces in their efforts to curb insurgency and prevent militant activities in the state. Authorities are expected to intensify operations to dismantle militant networks operating in the region.
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