Imphal: Security forces have intensified anti-insurgency operations and area domination in fringe and vulnerable areas across Manipur’s districts, leading to the recovery of three bodies, arms, ammunition, and explosives on Saturday, officials said on Sunday.
In the first incident, security forces recovered a large cache of arms and explosive materials from the general area of Khumkot village under Molcham police station in Chandel district, near the Myanmar border.
The recovered items include four single-bore rifles, four improvised mortars (Pompis), seven Pompi shells, three grenades, a detonator, and five Baofeng radio sets with chargers.
According to reports, a heavy exchange of fire between two armed groups at Mullam village under Litan police station in Ukhrul district, also bordering Myanmar to the east, left three individuals dead due to bullet injuries.
The deceased have been identified as Paominlun Haolai (22) of Haijang village, Singngat sub-division, Churachandpur district; Letlal Sitlhou (41) of K. Khonom village, Kangpokpi district; and Horshokmi Jamang (29) of Chatric Khullen village, Kamjong district.
The bodies of the two deceased from the Kuki community were deposited at Kangpokpi District Hospital, while the body of the deceased from the Naga community was handed over to Ukhrul District Hospital for post-mortem examination.
Security measures have been enhanced in the area to prevent further escalation of violence. Operations are still underway in the surrounding areas, officials added.