Imphal: Security forces arrested five cadres belonging to valley-based insurgent groups and recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and explosives during coordinated operations along the Indo–Myanmar border in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district.
The arrests were carried out on Monday during a search operation conducted between Border Pillars 73 and 75 under the jurisdiction of Moreh police station, a sensitive stretch along the international border.
According to officials, the detained militants include two cadres each from the outlawed Revolutionary People’s Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party–Meeyamgi Fingang Lanmee (KCP-MFL). Additionally, one cadre belonging to the banned Kanglei Yaol Kanna Lup (KYKL) was also apprehended during the operation.
The arrested individuals were identified as Thangjam Ashok Kumar Singh alias Khongthang, a resident of Waikhong village, Laishram Nipamacha Singh alias Loiya of Sagolmang Awang Leikai, Laishram Inao Singh alias Sanamacha of Urup Makha Leikai, Chingangbam Shakti Singh alias Phairen of Lamlai Nongada, and Thangjam Manimatum Meitei alias Sana of Sugnu Awang Leikai.
Following the arrests, the suspects were handed over to the concerned police station for further legal proceedings, officials added.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation, security personnel recovered a large quantity of explosives and weapons from the Boljang Hill Range under Machi police station.
The seized materials included eight improvised explosive devices (IEDs), one pistol with a magazine, an improvised mortar, two Motorola radio sets, batteries and nine live rounds of ammunition.
Subsequently, the recovered explosives were destroyed at the site in accordance with standard operating procedures to eliminate any potential threat.
Officials further stated that the operations form part of intensified counter-insurgency measures being carried out across Manipur. In particular, security agencies have stepped up surveillance and search operations along the porous Indo–Myanmar border to curb militant activities and prevent the movement of armed groups and explosives in the region.