Huge cache of arms & ammo recovered in Manipur

Time of India

5 days ago

Imphal: In a significant crackdown on illegal arms in Manipur, security forces and police conducted a series of successful operations on Wednesday across Churachandpur and Thoubal districts, resulting in the seizure of a huge cache of weapons and ammunition.
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Police sources confirmed that the combined operations led to the recovery of a large number of rifles, pistols, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and various types of ammunition.
In Churachandpur, a search operation at Dampi Ridge near the general area of Songphel under Churachandpur police station yielded a substantial quantity of arms, ammunition, and tactical gear. The recovered items included 14 single-barrel rifles, 1 pistol with magazine, 1 Pompi (improvised firearm), 9 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 8 Pompi ammunition, 23 cartridges of 12 bore, 10 live rounds of .303 calibre, 1 live 9mm round, 3 blank .303 rounds, 3 helmets and 2 Boafeng radio communication sets.
In a separate operation in Buallian village, police recovered 3 country-made single-barrel rifles and 1 country-made pistol. Additionally, security personnel seized 3 single-barrel rifles, 4 cartridges of 12 bore, 1 Pompi firearm, 4 Pompi bullets, 1 live 7.62mm round, 2 empty 5.56mm cases, and 4 tear smoke munitions in Tollen village and nearby areas.
In Thoubal, an operation in the Langathel Hangoipat area, under Khongjom police station, resulted in the recovery of 4 Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs) and 8 SLR magazines by Manipur Police.
Authorities said investigations are underway to ascertain the origins of these weapons and the groups involved in their proliferation. Further operations are expected to continue in the coming days as part of a broader strategy to curb illegal arms smuggling and restore peace and stability.
Meanwhile, Manipur Police and security forces also arrested five cadres belonging to different proscribed groups across Tuesday and Wednesday.
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On Wednesday, an active member of the proscribed group PREPAK (PRO), identified as Ningombam Sanatomba Meitei (42), also known as Nanao alias Gomeiba, was arrested from his residence in Taothong Khunou, Imphal West district. He was allegedly involved in extorting money from the general public. A mobile phone with two SIM cards and an Aadhaar card were also seized from his possession.
At the Ngaikhong Khunou check post, under Bishnupur police station, security forces detained two individuals allegedly linked to the RPF/PLA: Konjengbam Jiten Singh (38), an active cadre, and Khongbantabam Priyobarta Meitei (37), alias Tomba alias Abung.
Both hailed from Kwakeithel Konjeng Leikai, Imphal West, and were reportedly involved in extorting funds from contractors and business owners. A silver Maruti 800 and two mobile phones were seized during the operation.
In another operation, an active cadre of KCP (PWG), Md Azam (23) of Khurai Thangjam Khunou Chingya Leikai, was arrested from Kairang Chingya Leikai in Imphal East district under Heingang police station.
Earlier, on Tuesday, security forces in Thoubal arrested Khundongbam Ashothama Singh (35), alias Apom, another active KCP (PWG) member. He was apprehended from Heirok Narengtatpi Loukon and was allegedly involved in extortion, threatening civilians and cadre recruitment. One mobile phone, 1 SIM card and 1 Honda Activa (without registration number) were seized from his possession.
All arrested individuals are currently in police custody.