IMPHAL: Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Assam Rifles (AR) increased its surveillance along the porous India-Myanmar border in Manipur, capturing five suspected militants along with weapons, ammunition, heroin, and foreign-made motorcycles on Thursday (March 28).
Based on specific intelligence gathered from across the border, Assam Rifles (AR) launched a significant operation near 48 Border Pillar, approximately 14 km from Chakpikarong police station in the Chandel district of Manipur, bordering Myanmar on the south, on Thursday afternoon, officials reported.
The operation resulted in the apprehension of five suspected militants, along with 1 pistol equipped with a magazine and 6 live rounds, 2 single barrel 12 bore guns, 1 walkie-talkie, an Indian-made Pulsar bike, and two Kenbow bikes originating from Myanmar.
Additionally, the troopers discovered 220 soap cases of Myanmar origin, within which substantial quantities of illegal heroin powder were concealed, according to the sources.
Coincidentally, the arrests and confiscations occurred during a training session for 19 police officers and around 200 police and village defense force personnel at the Chandel district headquarters on Thursday.
The training aimed to prepare these personnel for election duties related to the Lok Sabha elections scheduled on April 19 and April 29 in this district.
The individuals apprehended and the seized items have been transferred to the Chandel police station in Manipur for appropriate legal action.
According to the Manipur police, the arrested individuals are facing charges under the arms and NDPS Act.