Imphal, May 25: In a significant operation against insurgency and illegal activities, security forces in Manipur have arrested five militants in the last 24 hours. Officials reported that the arrested individuals are linked to two banned organizations: the United Kukis National Army and the Manipur Revolutionary Army.
According to police officials, the militants were apprehended during separate operations in the hilly Churachandpur district and the valley region of Imphal East. A large cache of weapons and ammunition was also recovered during the search operations.
The seized weapons include an AK-47 rifle with a magazine, an INSAS rifle with four magazines, a 9mm pistol, 67 cartridges, two hand grenades, and a camouflage bulletproof jacket. Additionally, several mobile phones, an Aadhaar card, and a two-wheeler were confiscated.
In another operation, Manipur police arrested a drug trafficker identified as 34-year-old Tholung Koshel Lamkang, who was caught on National Highway-102 in the Pallal Chandel Lamkhai area. Police recovered 189.05 kilograms of opium seeds and a car from his possession. The investigation is ongoing.
Police officials stated that intelligence-based combing operations, blockades, and search operations are being continuously conducted to apprehend individuals involved in kidnapping, extortion, and other illegal activities in the state.
Central and state security forces are jointly conducting search operations and area domination campaigns in the sensitive hilly and valley regions of Manipur. A total of 114 checkpoints have been established across the state to monitor suspicious vehicles and illegal activities.
Moreover, security escorts are being provided for trucks carrying essential goods along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37).
Meanwhile, Manipur police have urged the public to remain vigilant against rumors and fake videos circulating on social media. The police warned that legal action will be taken against those sharing false posts or videos.