Imphal: Security forces in Manipur, including the Assam Rifles and state police commandos, arrested nine active cadres of banned insurgent groups during a series of intelligence-based operations across Thoubal, Kakching and Churachandpur districts between August 9 and 16.
According to a defence wing statement issued on Monday, the joint operations involved the Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, Kakching Commando and Thoubal Commando units. The arrested cadres were linked to banned outfits, including the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the armed wing of the proscribed Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), the United People’s Party of Kangleipak (UPPK) and the United Kuki National Army (UKNA).
Security forces also recovered a substantial cache of weapons, ammunition and explosives during the operations. The seizures included an AK-47 rifle, a .303 light machine gun with an additional barrel, three INSAS rifles, four single-barrel weapons and two 9mm pistols.
The forces further recovered 2,156 live rounds of different calibres, 29 magazines, 157 empty rounds, 1.5 kg of commercial plastic explosive, 14 detonators and communication equipment.
The operations also generated intelligence on alleged extortion networks, security-monitoring activities and financial channels used by the insurgent groups in the region, the statement said.
The arrested cadres and recovered items were subsequently handed over to police stations in Kakching, Sugnu, Thoubal, Waikhong, Hiyanglam, Wangoo and Arong for further legal action.
The latest operations underline continued coordination between the Assam Rifles and Manipur Police in targeting insurgent networks and recovering illegal arms and explosives across the state.