Security forces seize weapons and arrest seven in Manipur raids

Imphal: Security forces raided the Koubru hill range near Mangjol village on July 5. They found a stash of weapons hidden in the brush. The haul included an INSAS rifle, 24 single-barrel guns, a double-barrel shotgun, a pistol, hand grenades, and radios. Gamnom Sapermeina police are processing the evidence.

Separately, officers cracked down on drug trafficking and extortion. On July 4, police caught four men in the Imphal East district with 239 kilograms of suspected ganja. Those arrested include Mataimei W. Shimray, Ngangbam Dinesh, Phuritshabam Yaiphaba Meitei, and Oinam Abung Meetei. Authorities took them into custody at multiple locations near the Lamlai Police Station.

The sweep continued in the Keikhu area under Porompat Police Station. Forces grabbed three men linked to the UNLF (Pambei) faction. Officials identified the alleged extortionists as Elangbam Tomba Singh, Patrick Golmei, and Athokpam Borish Singh. Regarding the ongoing efforts to maintain order, the Manipur Police stated, "Further investigation into all the cases is underway." Detectives are now digging into the connections between the drug ring and the militant group.