Imphal, Dec 14 (NationPress) In a significant operation, security forces in Manipur have detained seven militants, including two female members, from various districts and seized multiple arms and ammunition over the last 24 hours, authorities reported on Sunday.

A police spokesperson revealed that five of the militants, affiliated with the banned United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), were apprehended from different sites in Imphal West, Imphal East, and Bishnupur districts.

Among those captured, two active female members of UNLF (Koireng faction) were taken into custody from the Moirangkampu Sajeb Makha Leikai area in Imphal East. The detained militants were recognized as Takhellambam Sanathoi Chanu (alias Loingakpi or Sanathoi, 19) and Kongbrailakpam Rameshori Devi (alias Langlen, Bemma, or Buchu, 19), both hailing from Imphal East. Two mobile phones were also confiscated from them.

Additionally, the Manipur Police apprehended a drug dealer, identified as Baseimayum Yaibi (47), from the Porompat Pangal Leirak locality in Imphal East. Heroin, concealed within seven soap cases, was retrieved from his possession, with an estimated value of Rs 16 lakh.

Intelligence-driven combing and cordon-and-search operations are being executed extensively across various areas in the Imphal valley and hill districts to capture individuals engaged in extortion and other criminal activities.

Security forces have also recovered several arms and ammunition in the Kakching district. This includes one Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) without a magazine, a locally manufactured bolt action sniper rifle, one double-barreled bolt rifle, one single-barreled bolt rifle, a locally crafted pistol without a magazine, and one 36 HE Hand grenade devoid of a detonator.

The combined efforts of central and state security forces are continuing with rigorous crackdowns on militants, alongside ongoing search operations and area domination drives in mixed-populated and vulnerable zones across the districts.

A total of 113 checkpoints have been established throughout Manipur in both valley and hill regions to prevent the illegal movement of hostile elements and suspicious vehicles.

Moreover, security forces are providing escorts for vehicles, including trucks carrying essential goods, along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37), maintaining strict security arrangements and convoy protection in sensitive areas to guarantee safe transportation.

The Manipur Police have urged the community to remain skeptical of rumors and to be cautious of misleading videos circulating on social media. They advised that “the authenticity of any unverified videos or audio clips can be confirmed through the Central Control Room. Disseminating fake content online will result in legal repercussions,” as stated by authorities.