Imphal: Central security forces and the Manipur Police Cyber Crime Unit arrested a Kuki militant and recovered 111 stolen mobile phones in separate operations in Churachandpur district on Tuesday, officials said.
The 5 Assam Rifles, on August 26, arrested and handed over a United Kuki National Army (UKNA) cadre to Churachandpur Police Station. The suspect was identified as self-styled Sergeant Major Satngam Doungel, 43, of Saihenjang village.
Security forces seized a 9mm Beretta pistol, a matching magazine and five live rounds from him.
In a separate operation, the Churachandpur District Police and Cyber Cell returned 111 lost or stolen mobile phones to their rightful owners.
Officials also organised an interaction programme for citizens who received their recovered devices. Additional SP (Law and Order) and Cyber Cell Nodal Officer Lawrence K. Munluo led the programme along with Cyber In-charge SI Pumkhansiam Vualnam.
During the event, Munluo thanked citizens for reporting their missing devices and said the district police remained committed to assisting the public, although some cases take time to resolve or may not result in recovery.
Police advised people to keep a written record of their phone’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, as a phone number alone is not enough to trace a device.
They also advised people to check the origin of second-hand mobile phones before buying them, as purchasing stolen property can lead to legal and financial problems.
People were advised to report lost or stolen phones to the nearest police station and Cyber Cell immediately to improve the chances of recovery.
Police also urged the public to remain cautious of cyber fraud and keep their phones secure, particularly in public places such as hospitals and hotels.