Imphal: Security forces recovered a large cache of weapons and explosives, including Chinese-origin mortars and a 10-foot-long rocket, during separate counter-insurgency operations across Manipur on Wednesday. Two suspected militant cadres were also arrested, officials said.

The largest weapons recovery took place during an intelligence-based search operation in the forested area surrounding P. Geljang village under Kangvai Sub-Division in Churachandpur district.

A joint team comprising Churachandpur District Police, 2 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) and 19 Garhwal Rifles conducted the operation and recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition.

According to official reports, the seized items included four Chinese-origin 82 mm mortars and a 10-foot-long rocket weighing approximately 80 kg.

The security personnel also recovered 30 mortar bombs of 82 mm and 51 mm calibres, six improvised explosive devices (IEDs) weighing between two and four kg each, and five Chinese-made hand grenades.

The recovered weapons further included one carbine machine gun (CMG) with two magazines, two single-barrel rifles, one pistol without a magazine and five rounds of 5.6 mm ammunition.

In a separate operation in Bishnupur district, police commandos arrested an alleged active cadre of the banned Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL).

The arrested individual was identified as 24-year-old Ningthoujam Rakesh Singh, alias Khamba and Dolimon, a resident of Naranseina Mayai Leikai.

He was apprehended during frisking and checking operations at Keinou Thongkha Bazar.

Meanwhile, a joint team of Imphal East police commandos and the 31 Assam Rifles arrested a suspected extortionist allegedly linked to the banned Revolutionary People’s Front/People’s Liberation Army (RPF/PLA).

The accused was identified as 54-year-old Ningthoujam Khamba Singh, alias Nganba, from Uripok Gopalaji Leirak in Imphal West.

He was arrested at the Checkon crossing under the jurisdiction of Porompat police station. Security personnel also seized a TVS Jupiter scooter from his possession.

Further investigations are underway to establish the source of the recovered weapons and explosives and identify the wider networks linked to the arrested individuals, police said.