Manipur security crackdown intensifies: AK-47s, IEDs recovered, illegal bunkers destroyed, insurgents arrested

Security forces carried out a series of operations across Manipur over the last two days, arresting members linked to banned underground groups and recovering a large number of weapons, explosives and communication equipment from different districts.

Arms and explosives recovered during forest search

In one of the major operations, security forces conducted a search of the forest region near Hengkot village within the jurisdiction of Churachandpur police station, wherein they found a large quantity of weapons and explosives.

The seized material includes an MK-II rifle, an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, a .303 rifle, a 12-bore rifle, some country-made arms, two SBML and one SBBL guns, and five improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Officials also recovered wireless handsets, a country-made launcher, magazine pouches, camouflage jungle boots, a camouflage cap, live ammunition and empty cartridges from the site.

Illegal bunkers destroyed in Ukhrul

At the same time, in another operation, which took place under the Litan police station in Ukhrul district, three bunkers were found and destroyed. One of them was found in Patleijang village, while the other two were found in the village of Roudei, located in T.M. Kasom.

During the operation, personnel recovered an IED weighing around five kilograms, two pompi guns, two Baofeng radio sets with chargers, three live 12-bore cartridges and 12 empty cartridge cases of different calibres.

Several underground cadres were arrested

The authorities also conducted several arrests that were related to various banned insurgent groups.

Thingujam Gulapi Singh (45), who was an active member of the banned insurgent group named PREPAK and hails from Ningomthong Sairom Leirak, Imphal East district, was arrested on May 26 from Kakwa Lilando Lampak area falling within Singjamei police station, Imphal West district.

Mobile phone, Aadhaar card, and a Hero Pleasure Scooter were seized from him.

On the same day, another operation led to the arrest of Waikhom Shanta Singh alias Torbot (32), who was connected with the PLA. He is a resident of Sabungkhok Mamang Leikai and was arrested from the Nongada Kameng village under the Lamlai police station in Imphal East district.

In another operation, security forces arrested Ayekpam Dharmendra Singh (48), alias Captain of RPF/PLA, from his present residence under Irilbung police station. He is also known by several names, including Dhamen, Thawanthaba, Kunjo, Brojen and Thawailakpa.  During his arrest, a mobile phone and an Aadhaar card were seized from him.

Earlier,  the security forces had also arrested two individuals, belonging to various underground outfits, near Mayai Keithel, Forest Gate, falling under the jurisdiction of the Nongpok Sekmai Police Station, Thoubal District.

They were identified as Changubam Nganba Meitei alias Meiraba alias Thouba (21), connected with the  RPF/PLA, and a juvenile associated with NRFM.

According to security agencies, operations continue in various parts of the State in connection with the detection of underground movements and seizure of illegal arms and explosives.