Imphal, Oct 5 (NationPress) In a relentless effort against banned militant factions, security forces in Manipur apprehended seven additional insurgents from various districts, recovering arms, ammunition, and drugs during distinct operations over the last 24 hours, as reported by officials on Sunday.

A police representative revealed that the seven militants were detained across four districts—Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, and Kakching.

The captured militants were affiliated with the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and the People's Liberation Army (PLA)/Revolutionary People's Front (RPF).

Among the oldest insurgent groups in Manipur, the PLA primarily operates within the Imphal valley and has a political arm, the RPF.

The apprehended rebels were implicated in recruiting youth for RPF/PLA, extorting individuals and government officials in the Imphal valley, and employing intimidation in loan recovery negotiations.

Furthermore, security forces seized 2,000 highly addictive methamphetamine tablets, valued at approximately Rs 16.66 lakh, from a residence owned by Chinhat (44) in Tuibong village, Churachandpur district.

Methamphetamine tablets, commonly referred to as Yaba tablets or 'crazy drug', contain a combination of methamphetamine and caffeine, both of which are prohibited in India.

The hilly region of Churachandpur, which shares an unfenced international boundary with Myanmar and an inter-state border with Mizoram, has emerged as a significant hub for illegal drug trade.

Additionally, caches of arms and ammunition were recovered from Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts.

The Kangpokpi district also shares an unfenced international border with Myanmar. Recovered arms included one 9 mm carbine submachine gun with a magazine, one .303 rifle with a magazine, a 9 mm pistol with a loaded magazine, one .32 pistol with a magazine, ten locally made bolt action single-barreled guns, and one pull mechanism rifle.

A substantial cache of various types of ammunition was also seized from the two districts.

The official stated that security forces continue to conduct search operations and establish area dominance in vulnerable zones across districts.

The passage of 346 vehicles carrying essential goods along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37) has been assured without incident.

Strict security protocols are enforced at all vulnerable sites, with security convoys allocated to sensitive stretches to guarantee safe vehicle movement. According to officials, a total of 114 checkpoints have been established across various districts, both in the hills and the valley, to deter illegal movements of hostile elements and suspicious vehicles.