Imphal: Security forces arrested nine people and recovered weapons, explosives and suspected narcotics during a 36-hour operation across several districts of Manipur, officials said on Sunday.

In Bishnupur district, security forces intercepted a suspected drug shipment on Saturday at Sericulare Farm under Phougakchao Ithai police station. Two suspected drug peddlers, identified as Md Amir Khan, 34, and Md Bungo, 33, were arrested.

Security forces recovered a two-wheeler and five soap cases containing suspected heroin from their possession.

In a separate operation in Bishnupur, security forces recovered a cache of weapons and other items concealed near the Water Supply Pump on Keipha Road, Patton.

The recovery included a 9mm pistol with a magazine, a .32 pistol with a magazine, a country-made AK rifle with a magazine, a country-made MP-9 submachine gun with a magazine, a country-made SBBL gun, a country-made .22 rifle with a magazine, two No. 36 hand grenades, two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), ammunition and other tactical accessories.

Security forces also arrested five active cadres of different banned insurgent groups during operations in the valley districts.

Three members of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) were arrested in separate operations. They were identified as Sinam Deven Singh, 26, Lourembam Rakesh Singh, 24, and Khwairakpam Premsunder Singh alias Bungoba alias Lamnganba, 20. Security forces recovered one IED, five rounds of 9mm ammunition, a Suzuki Access scooter, digital devices and cash from them.

In Thoubal and Imphal West districts, security forces arrested two active volunteers of the banned United National Liberation Front (UNLF-Koireng faction). They were identified as Ngangom Gibbs Singh alias Pamel, 29, and Chingakham Kanta Singh alias Bomcha, 40.

In a separate operation in Imphal East, security forces arrested an active operative of the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), the political wing of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

The individual, identified as Thangjam Peter Singh alias Nanao, 22, was intercepted near the Forest Office Gate in Irilbung.

Meanwhile, the RPF/PLA issued a statement saying that Ningthoujam Joyshana alias Joy, who was arrested by security forces on August 26 from Kongba Laishram Leikai, has no links with the organisation.

The outfit said Joyshana was not affiliated with either its political or armed wing.