Imphal, Sep 24 (NationPress) The leading suspect in the ambush that occurred on September 19, resulting in the deaths of two Assam Rifles personnel and injuries to five others in Manipur's Bishnupur district, has been apprehended, as reported by officials.

A high-ranking police official indicated that following intelligence regarding the presence of armed militants in the Kameng region of Imphal West district, a collaborative operation involving district police, Assam Rifles, and other security forces was initiated early on Wednesday, culminating in the arrest of Khomdram Ojit Singh, also known as Keilal, aged 47.

During immediate questioning, he acknowledged his status as a released member of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and confirmed that he continues to affiliate with the prohibited organization.

Khomdram further disclosed that he had previously been detained on April 22, 2007.

Upon further interrogation, it became evident that he played a direct role in the ambush against the Assam Rifles personnel at the Sabal Leikai Nambol area in Bishnupur on September 19.

After opening fire on the paramilitary forces, he, alongside accomplices, retreated toward Loktak Lake, concealing their weapons and ammunition at a clandestine site.

Based on his information, a substantial stockpile of arms and ammunition used in the ambush was recovered. The arsenal included an A-4 rifle with four magazines, an HK rifle with two magazines, two AK series rifles with five magazines, an INSAS rifle with three magazines, three lathode shells, 170 rounds of AK rifle ammunition, 216 rounds of M-16 ammunition, and 67 rounds of INSAS ammunition.

Additionally, a mobile phone, a wallet, and an Aadhaar card were found at the scene, according to the police official.

The investigation of the detained individual is ongoing, with several leads having been established.

Authorities are conducting raids to capture additional suspects implicated in the ambush, stated the official.

Earlier, Defence spokesman Lt Col Amit Shukla noted that an Assam Rifles team was returning from flood relief efforts in the Imphal Valley when their convoy was attacked by an unidentified insurgent group along the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway-2 in Bishnupur on September 19, leading to the deaths of Naib-Subedar Shyam Gurung, 59, and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap, 36. Gurung hailed from Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills district, while Kashyap was from Chhattisgarh's Bastar district.