Who is the Self-styled ‘Major’ Arrested Among 4 Militants in Manipur?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Four militants arrested, including a self-styled 'Major'.
- Significant cache of arms seized, including US-made weapons.
- Security forces intensifying operations across Manipur.
- Public urged to remain vigilant against misinformation.
- 115 checkpoints established to monitor movements.
Imphal, Nov 17 (NationPress) In a significant joint operation, security forces have apprehended four hardcore militants, including a self-proclaimed ‘Major’, and confiscated a large cache of arms and ammunition, featuring 12 advanced weapons, across various districts of Manipur within the last 24 hours, officials reported on Monday.
Among those detained is the notorious militant Koijam Ibochouba alias Inao alias Sumo (45), as confirmed by police.
A senior police official revealed that Koijam Ibochouba is the self-styled 'Major' of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and its allied group, the Revolutionary People's Front (RPF). He was a wanted insurgent linked to the 2017 ambush on Assam Rifles in Sajik Tampak, Chandel district.
In that incident, two Assam Rifles troopers lost their lives, and six others sustained injuries due to a powerful improvised explosive device (IED) explosion at Maha Mani village on November 13, 2017. From Koijam Ibochouba's information, a substantial cache of sophisticated arms, including US-made weapons and ammunition, was uncovered in Kharungpat village, Kakching District.
The arms were found buried inside a plastic drum on a farm in Kharungpat village. Additionally, three more militants affiliated with the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) were also detained in the Imphal West district.
The apprehended militants were involved in extortion activities, threatening drivers and stealing documents or keys from truck drivers on the Jiribam Imphal Road. PREPAK member Khuraijam Shyam Singh alias Mangal (37) was engaged in extortion within the Imphal valley and was implicated in the illegal settlement of cases related to crimes against women.
The security forces persist in their crackdown on militants, conducting search operations and establishing area dominance in fringe, mixed-population, and vulnerable regions throughout various districts, the official noted.
A total of 115 checkpoints have been set up across different districts of Manipur, spanning both the hilly and valley regions, to thwart illegal movements by hostile elements and suspicious vehicles.
The official added that security forces are providing escorts for numerous vehicles, including trucks transporting essential goods, along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37). Rigorous security measures have been implemented in all susceptible locations, with security convoys assigned to sensitive stretches to ensure safe transit for vehicles.
The Manipur Police have advised the public to remain cautious of false rumors and misleading videos. “The authenticity of any circulated unfounded videos or audio clips should be verified with the Central Control Room. There is a high likelihood of many fake posts being spread on social media. It is warned that posting and sharing such false content will lead to legal repercussions,” read a statement from the Manipur Police.