Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: Based on credible information regarding the sale of looted arms and ammunition in Lamshang, Manipur’s Imphal West, security forces launched multiple operations on Wednesday, leading to the apprehension of four insurgent cadres.
During the operation, security forces recovered a large cache of arms and war-like stores, including 29 weapons comprising AK-series rifles, M-series rifles, pistols, and other firearms.
Two cadres of the United National Liberation Front (Pambei group), which is currently in peace talks with the Centre, were arrested in the first operation on Wednesday.
They were identified as Heishnam Thomas Singh (29) of Mayang Imphal Kolchak and Arambam Tomtom Singh (29) of Lamshang Heibongpokpi Mayai Leikai. Authorities recovered one INSAS light machine gun (LMG), three LMG magazines, and 14 live rounds of ammunition from their possession.
During the arrest, associates of the cadres opened fire on security personnel, triggering a brief gunfight.
Two additional cadres involved in the incident, Ningthoujam Rakesh Singh and Chingakham Mahesh Singh, were subsequently apprehended.
Superintendent of Police, Imphal West, Kshetrimayum Shivakanta, told the media that preliminary investigations revealed the cadres were selling seized weapons on the instructions of self-styled Lance Corporal Naorem Bijoy alias Macha of UNLF (P).
They also admitted their involvement in the earlier sale of looted arms and ammunition.
Subsequently, a follow-up search operation was conducted by a joint team of Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, and CRPF at an unauthorised UNLF (P) camp in Lamdeng.
The joint, on Thursday, forces recovered an additional 28 weapons and war-like stores, including AK-series rifles, M-series rifles, sniper rifles, carbines, shotguns, mortars, an RPG-7 launcher, an anti-drone jammer, and a large cache of explosives.
Security forces have urged the public to immediately report any information regarding looted or illegally possessed weapons to the nearest police station.