Imphal, June 28 – Security forces across Manipur have significantly escalated their area domination exercises and search operations in vulnerable and fringe areas, yielding substantial success in curbing militant activities. The intensified efforts have led to the recovery of a considerable cache of arms and ammunition, alongside the apprehension of multiple cadres belonging to the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) [KCP (PWG)].
In a major breakthrough on June 27, personnel conducting operations in the Wangoo Tarung Mamang Ching area, falling under Wangoo Police Station in Kakching District, unearthed a sizable arsenal. The haul included an INSAS rifle (sans magazine), a modified AK-56 rifle with its magazine, a bolt action single barrel gun, another single barrel gun, and a .32 pistol complete with a magazine. Also recovered were an INSAS LMG magazine, a 51 mm mortar bomb with its cover, and three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) collectively weighing approximately one kilogram. Further finds comprised a live .32 round, twenty empty INSAS ammunition cases, three tear smoke shells (marked LR -135 MTR), and a Baofeng communication handset with its charger. The cache additionally contained various camouflage gear such as pants, a cap, a raincoat, three pairs of tactical boots, and a bulletproof jacket (without the plate).
The same day witnessed another impactful operation in Torbung Sabal Mamang Leikai, under Phougakchao Ikhai Police Station in Bishnupur District. This particular search led to the recovery of a Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) with one magazine and five live rounds, a modified AK rifle with an empty magazine, and three single-barrel guns, further bolstering the ongoing efforts to disarm illegal outfits.
Earlier, on June 26, a raid conducted in the Kameng Sabal area, along the IVR road under Lamsang Police Station in Imphal West, resulted in the seizure of three pistols marked “Made in Burma,” along with three magazines, and three 36 HE hand grenades.
The intensified security drive also saw significant arrests of KCP (PWG) cadres. On June 26, Manipur Police successfully apprehended Nongmeikapam Jilish Meitei, 29, a suspected active cadre of the KCP (PWG), from Chingarel Tejpur, under Lamlai Police Station in Imphal East. He was allegedly involved in extorting funds from private firms and the general public, ostensibly for the outfit’s activities.
In a related operation on the same day, two more active cadres, Laishram Suraj Singh @ Ibungo, 33, of Naoremthong, and Sapam (N) Kshetrimayum (O) Ashangbi Devi, 34, of Khurai Sajor Leikai, were arrested from Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal, under Porompat Police Station in Imphal East. Authorities seized one scooter, ₹10,000 in cash suspected to be extortion money, one AADHAR card, and two mobile phones from their possession.
A follow-up operation on June 27 led to the arrest of three additional KCP (PWG) cadres from Thangmeiband Thingel Leikai, near the Community Hall, under Imphal Police Station. The arrested individuals were identified as Aheibam Johnson Singh @ Khonthang, 27, of Takyel Kolom Leikai; Ningthoujam Scolia Devi @ Chaoba, 25, of Tairenpokpi Mayai Leikai; and Salam Binita Devi @ Bemma @ Tamna, 22, of Ningthoukhong Mamang Leikai. From these individuals, three mobile phones and one wallet were recovered, further disrupting the network of the proscribed outfit.
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