Manipur: 3 militants among 6 arrested, large cache of arms and drugs seized

Imphal, June 13 (IANS) Security forces in Manipur have arrested six persons, including three militants and two drug peddlers, besides recovering a large cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives during a series of operations conducted across different districts of the state, officials said on Saturday.

Director General of Police (DGP), Manipur, Mukesh Singh, also reviewed the law-and-order, crime and operational situation in Imphal East district during a visit to the district police headquarters.

A senior police official said that three militants belonging to the banned People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were arrested from Kakching and Imphal West districts during separate operations. Security personnel also recovered arms, ammunition and other incriminating materials from their possession.

The seized items included one 9 mm pistol along with an empty magazine, 18 live rounds of ammunition of different calibres, one 12-bore cartridge, four detonators, two remote-control devices suspected to be used for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), besides PLA flags and banners.

In another major operation, security forces, including personnel of the Assam Rifles, recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition and combat-related stores from the Mayai Leikai area under Heirok Police Station in Thoubal district.

The recovered items comprised one USA-made .32 pistol with magazine, two single-barrel breech-loading (SBBL) guns, 71 live rounds of ammunition of different calibres, two tear smoke shells, 12 stickers bearing the logo of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), 14 bulletproof plates, one bulletproof jacket, 60 combat shirts, 57 combat trousers, two combat jackets, 18 combat caps, eight pairs of combat shoes, 23 combat belts and one MP-5 sling.

Police said the recovered weapons, ammunition and military stores have been handed over to Heirok Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, in separate anti-narcotics operations, security forces arrested two alleged drug peddlers from Imphal West and Thoubal districts and seized substantial quantities of highly addictive methamphetamine tablets and heroin. The arrested drug peddlers were identified as Md. Farish Khan (28), a resident of Thoubal district, and Dil Bahadur Chetry (41), a resident of Tinsukia district in neighbouring Assam.

Another person identified as Md. Eliyash Khan alias Apik alias Rocky (36) was arrested from Imphal East district.

In a separate development, DGP Mukesh Singh visited the Imphal East District Police Headquarters and reviewed the prevailing law-and-order situation, crime trends and ongoing operational preparedness in the district.

According to police officials, during the review meeting, the DGP interacted with officers and stressed the importance of conducting quality investigations, ensuring effective supervision by senior officers and expediting the disposal of important criminal cases.

The police chief also emphasised the need for proactive policing, intensified anti-insurgency operations and firm action against anti-social and anti-national elements operating in the state. He further underscored the importance of maintaining discipline, integrity and professionalism within the police force while discharging duties under challenging circumstances.

Appreciating the efforts of district police personnel, Singh encouraged officers and other ranks to continue performing their responsibilities with dedication and commitment to ensure peace, security and public confidence across the district.

Meanwhile, security forces comprising central and state agencies have continued their extensive crackdown on militant groups, with search operations and area-domination exercises being conducted regularly in fringe, mixed-population and other vulnerable areas across several districts.

As part of the enhanced security measures, a total of 116 nakas and checkpoints have been established across Manipur’s valley and hill districts to prevent the movement of militants, other inimical elements and suspicious vehicles. Security forces have also been providing escorts to vehicles, including trucks carrying essential commodities, along the crucial Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37), which serves as a key lifeline for the state.

Officials said strict security arrangements and convoy protection measures remain in force in sensitive stretches of the highway to ensure the safe and uninterrupted movement of vehicles.

The Manipur Police have also appealed to the public not to believe rumours and to remain cautious about fake and misleading videos being circulated on various social media platforms.

–IANS

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