Imphal: Joint security forces comprising Manipur Police commandos and personnel from the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) arrested three persons and seized a cache of arms and ammunition during two separate search operations in Imphal East district. The arrests, however, drew protests from local women’s groups, which attempted to prevent the security personnel from taking the accused into custody.
In the first operation, security forces arrested two residents of Khurai Lairikyengbam Awang Leikai. The individuals were identified as Sanjrambam Khunjaoba Meitei (54) and Laishram Sonamani Meitei (53).
According to officials, a search of Sonamani Meitei’s residence led to the recovery of one .38 calibre pistol, two magazines and 11 live rounds of ammunition of different calibres.
In another operation, joint teams searched the residences of former village volunteers in Nongshum and Uyumpok, under the jurisdiction of Sagolmang Police Station. During the operation, they arrested Sanasam Ibocha, also known as Abocha Singh (44).
Officials said security personnel recovered one AK-56 rifle, one .32 calibre pistol with a magazine and 27 live rounds of AK-56 ammunition from his possession.
As the operations were underway, local Meira Paibis attempted to block roads to stop the security forces from taking the arrested individuals away. Although the protesters failed to prevent the arrests, the operations triggered strong criticism from community organisations.
The women’s wing of Ereibak Kanba Lup (EKAL) condemned the arrests. Speaking to reporters, EKAL women’s wing convenor Heikrujam Malemkhombi Leima alleged that residents of Uyumpok and Nongshum have long remained vulnerable and have frequently been targeted by Kuki militants.