Manipur Police, in coordination with other security forces, arrested three militants linked to banned outfits in separate operations carried out across Imphal West, Imphal East and Bishnupur districts. In a related development, a search operation in Kakching district led to the recovery of a sizeable cache of arms, ammunition and explosives.
Officials said the operations were part of ongoing efforts to crack down on extortion networks and curb the circulation of illegal weapons in the valley districts.
On February 19, two alleged active cadres of the RPF/PLA were picked up from different locations. Thounaojam Prempatra Singh alias Luwang alias Prem (31), a resident of Khurai Thangjam Leikai, was arrested from Singjamei Chinga Makha under Singjamei police station in Imphal West. In a separate operation, Tharoijam Tony Singh (32), of Khurai Thoudam Leikai, was apprehended from the Porompat area in Imphal East district.
Police said a 9 mm pistol along with a magazine and four live rounds were seized from them. A Honda Activa scooter, two mobile phones, a sling bag and two wallets were also recovered during the operation.
In another action the same day, security forces arrested Ningthoujam Kennedy (41), alias Guli alias Angousana, described as an active cadre of PREPAK (Pro). He was apprehended from Khewa Bazar under Porompat police station in Imphal East district. A mobile phone and an Aadhaar card were recovered from his possession.
Meanwhile, Khoisnam Morendrajit Singh alias Kumar (42), an alleged cadre of UPPK and a resident of Langjing Achouba Mamang Leikai in Imphal West, was arrested from Malom Tulihal Makha Leikai under Nambol police station in Bishnupur district. Security personnel seized a mobile phone and an Aadhaar card from him.
Separately, a search operation carried out at Keirak Awang Loukon Chingol under Kakching police station in Kakching district resulted in the recovery of a substantial quantity of arms and explosives.
Items recovered included an Amogh Carbine with magazine, two locally made lathode guns, two single-barrel guns, seven tear smoke shells, three tube launching devices, two .36 HE grenades with detonators, 10 rounds of ammunition and 100 empty cases. Security forces also seized two IDL explosive devices with detonators, two helmets, a bulletproof jacket and two magazine pouches.
Officials said further investigation is underway.