Have 8 Militants Been Arrested and 43 Weapons Recovered in Manipur?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Eight militants arrested from various extremist outfits.
- 43 weapons seized, including rifles and explosives.
- Operations conducted across eight districts in Manipur.
- Security forces' commitment to peace and stability in the region.
- Involvement of multiple agencies including the Army and local police.
Imphal, June 30 (NationPress) In a coordinated operation across Manipur, the Army along with central and state security forces successfully apprehended eight hardcore militants affiliated with various groups and seized 43 assorted firearms, a significant quantity of ammunition, and other military-grade equipment from eight districts, officials reported on Monday.
A spokesperson for the Defence stated that these intelligence-led operations resulted in the capture of militants from several hill and valley-based factions.
The operations were conducted over the past few days across six key districts: Jiribam, Bishnupur, Kakching, Tengnoupal, Imphal East, and Imphal West.
Specialized resources such as explosive detection dogs were utilized during these missions. The Army, along with Assam Rifles units under the Spear Corps, coordinated efforts with the Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
The cache of arms recovered included carbines, AK-47 rifles, self-loading rifles (SLRs), .303 rifles, single and double-barrel guns, INSAS rifles, improvised mortars, numerous pistols, IEDs, grenades, and significant amounts of ammunition.
The captured militants, along with the retrieved weapons, ammunition, explosives, and other materials, have been handed over to the Manipur Police.
This coordinated initiative by the security forces underscores their steadfast determination to uphold peace and security in Manipur, according to the spokesperson.
Additionally, an official disclosed that police apprehended five militants from various outlawed groups in the Imphal West and Imphal East districts within the last 24 hours.
The detained individuals were affiliated with the People's Liberation Army (PLA), Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), and the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK).
These militants were reportedly involved in extortion activities targeting elected officials such as panchayat pradhans and members, as well as private and public schools in the area.
A police officer confirmed that security forces, accompanied by a bomb disposal team, successfully neutralized a 51 mm ILLG bomb found at Terakhongshangbi Maning Laithel under the Moirang police station in Bishnupur District.
Fragments were collected from the site for further investigation. The security forces and bomb disposal unit also safely disarmed an old unexploded bomb, believed to be from World War II, after local residents in the Tengnoupal area reported its presence.