Imphal: Security forces recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and explosives from an abandoned hideout in Kakching district of Manipur and arrested two alleged extortionists in separate operations, officials said on August 11.

The first operation was carried out by a joint team of central and state security forces following intelligence inputs about the presence and activities of insurgents and other anti-social elements in the Wabagai Turenmamei riverbed area under Hiyanglam police station.

The security team conducted a three-hour cordon-and-search operation in the area. Although no arrests were made, the forces recovered a substantial quantity of arms and other military-related materials from the abandoned hideout.

The recovered items included a .303 rifle with an empty magazine, a 9mm pistol with an empty magazine, three single-barrel guns and three carbines with empty magazines.

Security forces also recovered a 51mm mortar bomb, three tube-launching devices, two hand grenades and 18 live rounds of ammunition of different calibres. An INSAS rifle bayonet, bulletproof plates and covers, communication equipment and other miscellaneous military items were also seized.

In a separate operation in the Langathel area, a joint team of Thoubal commandos and 33 Assam Rifles arrested an alleged active cadre of the proscribed Kanglei Yaol Kanna Lup (KYKL), officials said.

The arrested man was identified as 42-year-old Puyam Inaocha Singh, a resident of Langathel Laikol Bazar in Thoubal district. Officials described him as an alleged extortionist associated with the banned outfit.

In another operation, security forces apprehended an alleged active cadre of the outlawed National Revolutionary Front of Manipur (NRFM) from his locality under Hiyanglam police station.

The arrested individual was identified as 27-year-old Yumnam Paremba, a resident of Wabagai Mayai Leikai in Kakching district. He was also identified by officials as an alleged extortionist linked to the proscribed group.

The operations were conducted as part of intensified security and anti-extortion measures across Manipur.