Imphal: Security forces and police carried out a series of operations across Manipur on September 20, foiling an alleged abduction attempt, arresting several suspected insurgent cadres and recovering arms, ammunition and narcotics, officials said.

Police in Moirang rescued a West Bengal resident who was allegedly abducted shortly after arriving at Imphal Airport.

The victim, identified as Md Wasim Akram, was reportedly being taken away in an Assam-registered Bolero when he managed to escape near Naranseina. Police said Akram pulled the vehicle’s handbrake, fled from the vehicle and sought assistance from security personnel in the area.

The driver, identified as 24-year-old Makakmayum Imtiyazur Rahaman of Wangoi Mamang Leikai, was arrested in connection with the incident. Police have launched an investigation to identify and apprehend the other alleged accomplices.

In separate intelligence-based operations, the Imphal West Commando unit and 33 Assam Rifles arrested two alleged active members of the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) who were reportedly involved in extortion activities.

The arrested individuals were identified as 45-year-old Heikham Amujao Singh, who was apprehended in the North AOC area, and 46-year-old Athokpam Robinkumar Singh, who was arrested from his residence at Ningomthong Kitna Panung.

Security personnel recovered a 9mm pistol along with 12 live rounds during the operations.

In another joint operation by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Imphal West Commandos, security personnel searched an area in Phayeng under Lamsang police station and arrested 23-year-old Angom Manikanta Singh, who was identified as an associate of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

The operation led to the recovery of one No. 36 high-explosive (HE) grenade, two Chinese hand grenades, two detonators and 18 rounds of live ammunition.

Meanwhile, Bishnupur district commandos arrested 35-year-old Sanasam Gobin Singh, described by officials as an active cadre of the RPF/PLA, within the Kumbi police station area.

A separate joint operation by Imphal West Commandos and 33 Assam Rifles also uncovered an arms cache at Sajirok under Patsoi police station.

The recovered weapons and equipment included five 9mm pistols, a Carbine Machine Gun (CMG), a Pump-Action Gun (PAG), eight single-barrel guns, one hand grenade, six TSMs, a Baofeng wireless handset and 46 assorted rounds of live ammunition.

Security forces also reported two separate drug seizures involving brown sugar and WY amphetamine tablets.

In Bishnupur, personnel attempted to intercept a suspicious Maruti Swift near Terakhongshangbi Bazar. The vehicle reportedly fled from the checkpoint and was later found abandoned and locked at Kwakta Maronglou.

A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of four packets containing approximately 2.1 kg of brown sugar.

In Senapati district, a joint team comprising police, CRPF and Assam Rifles arrested three people in connection with another narcotics case.

The arrested individuals included two Assam residents, identified as 23-year-old Rohim Ali and 48-year-old Anowar Hussain Laskar. Their interrogation subsequently led to the arrest of Md Nawaz Khan of Mayang Imphal.

Authorities seized around 2.3 kg of WY tablets, an Assam-registered Bolero and ?5,000 in cash from the suspects.

Separately, the Koireng-led United National Liberation Front (UNLF) issued a clarification concerning the August 11 arrest of Khundongbam Motilal by Thoubal Police and 46 Assam Rifles.

In a statement signed by its Secretary of Publicity, M Shak-Hen, the outfit said neither the UNLF nor its armed wing, the Manipur People’s Army (MPA), had any association with Motilal.

The statement was issued in response to the circumstances surrounding his arrest, according to the outfit.