Photo Courtesy: nenews
Imphal: Security forces arrested seven individuals and dismantled two militant camps across Manipur this week. These raids targeted illegal arms networks after a deadly July 6 ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy near Shangshak, which killed two soldiers. Investigators had already detained three suspects related to that attack.
Operations intensified on July 15. Police caught Sanjrambam Khunjaoba Meitei, 54, and Laishram Sonamani Meitei, 53, in Imphal East. A search of Sonamani's home turned up a .38 pistol, two magazines, and 11 live rounds. In a separate operation, forces apprehended an active KCP-MC (Progressive) cadre, 38-year-old Ngathem Bhimojit Singh, alias Bhimo, at Khurai Ahongei Thangjam Leikai.
Interrogating Bhimo led teams to two militant hideouts. Near Loktak Lake in Imphal West, forces found four modified bolt-action rifles, a .303 rifle, an M2 carbine with a telescopic sight, a 9 mm pistol, and 26 rounds of ammunition. A raid near Mongbung village in Jiribam uncovered a larger stash: a Pumpi gun, two country-made pistols, four 12-bore SBBL guns, two .36 hand grenades, three 51 mm mortar shells, 331 live rounds, and 17 magazines. Tactical gear, including bulletproof jacket covers, jungle shoes, and camouflage trousers, was also seized.
Earlier, on July 14, troops acting on intelligence raided TM Kasom and Sikibung villages in Ukhrul. They arrested Wungphayo Kasar, 24, Ninglum Awungshi, 26, Lunglen Yaoreingam, 21, and Vareiyo Lunglen, 57. The team recovered two SBBL guns, cartridges, and a wireless set.
Officials confirmed all detainees and evidence are now with local police. Manipur remains volatile following ethnic violence that broke out in May 2023. "The arrested insurgent and all the recovered weapons, explosives and other materials have been handed over to the respective local police stations for further investigation and legal proceedings," officials stated. The conflict has claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands of people to date.
Comments