Manipur: Security Forces Capture 7 Militants, Seize Large Stockpile of Arms & Ammunition

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Manipur: Security Forces Capture 7 Militants, Seize Large Stockpile of Arms & Ammunition

Synopsis

In a significant operation, security forces in Manipur have arrested seven militants and seized a large cache of arms and ammunition, including an Improvised Explosive Device. This effort aims to combat militant activities and narco-terrorism in the region.

Key Takeaways

  • Seven militants apprehended in Manipur.
  • Large stockpile of arms and ammunition seized.
  • Militants involved in abduction and extortion.
  • Destruction of illegal poppy cultivation conducted.
  • Significant heroin seizure from drug traffickers.

Imphal, March 28 (NationPress) In a persistent effort to combat militant activities in Manipur, security forces have apprehended seven additional militants from various banned groups across multiple districts within the last 24 hours, as reported by officials on Friday night.

A police spokesperson indicated that alongside the apprehension of these seven militants, a significant stockpile of arms and ammunition was also confiscated from Kakching, Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, and Thoubal districts.

The detained militants are associated with PREPAK and various factions of the Kangleipak Communist Party.

These militants have been implicated in activities such as abduction, coercively extracting money from traders, officials, and contractors, as well as issuing threat notices to civilians. Recently, the Manipur Police apprehended six militants from different groups and recovered a stockpile of arms and ammunition on Wednesday and Thursday.

According to the official report, a sizable cylindrical Improvised Explosive Device weighing 11 kg was found, along with a large cache of arms and ammunition in Imphal East district.

The recovered items include a Carbine machine gun, Excalibur rifle, .303 sniper rifle, foreign-made pistols, a 9 mm pistol with magazine, an automatic single-barrel gun, hand grenades with detonators, a .303 LMG, INSAS rifles, LMG magazines, foreign-made grenades, and a radio wireless set. Security forces have also dismantled two bunkers and incinerated the remnants in Kangpokpi district.

Additionally, police reported that the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with the Manipur Police and Border Security Force, eradicated 20 acres of illegal poppy cultivation in Khudai Khullen, Chelep in Tengnoupal District. This action deals a significant blow to narco-terrorism, reaffirming the commitment to a drug-free society, according to the official.

Furthermore, the Manipur Police detained three drug traffickers in Imphal East district and confiscated 10.5 kg of heroin valued at Rs 3.15 crore from their possession. The drugs, believed to be smuggled from Myanmar, were packed in 880 soap cases. A vehicle used by the smugglers was also seized. Manipur shares approximately 400 km of unfenced border with Myanmar.