Seven militants nabbed in Manipur’s Thoubal, huge cache of arms and ammunition recovered

Imphal: Manipur Police and Central Reserve Police Force persnonnel along with personnel from the 99 Rapid Action Force, arrested seven underground cadres including one juvenile during a counter-insurgency operation at the Youth Development Club, located near SDC office in Heirok Part-III, Thoubal district, on Sunday, early morning.

The individuals were allegedly affiliated with the proscribed outfit Kangleipak Communist Party – People’s War Group (KCP-PWG).

Those arrested were identified as Waikhom Tinku, 28, son of Waikhom Ranjit Singh; Md. Riwas alias Pat, son of Md. Rafique of Porompat, Imphal East; a 15-year-old juvenile; Angom Bobi alias Wataba, 33, son of Angom Imo Singh of Nongada; Ningthoujam Chaoba Singh alias Hingchaba, 38, son of Ningthoujam Kulabidhu Singh of Thongju; Laishangthem Tomba alias Thabal, son of L. Dasu Singh of Thoubal Laishangthem; and Md. Sirajuddin alias Kham, 45, son of Md. Ito of Phoidel Moirangpali.

A substantial cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the location. The recovered weapons include one INSAS LMG with a magazine, two INSAS rifles (with one magazine), one carbine with three magazines, and one MA3 MK-11 rifle with a magazine, one SLR rifle magazine, 76 rounds of 5.56 mm INSAS live ammunition, 69 rounds of 9 mm live ammunition, three SLR rounds, and 13 rounds of .303 bolt-action live ammunition.

The security personnel seized three radio handsets with two chargers, a blue Honda Activa 6G scooter, a white Chevrolet Beat (registration number MN01S-6442), 38 KCP (PWG) badges, and four Manipur People’s Army (MPA) badges, which are associated with the armed wing of the banned underground outfit United National Liberation Front.

Tension flared in the area following the arrests, as local residents attempted to block the security forces’ vehicles. In response, authorities deployed crowd-control measures, including tear gas shells and mock bombs, to disperse the gathering. The situation was brought under control shortly thereafter.

According to officials, no civilian injuries were reported during the incident, and further investigation was being taken up to uncover the full extent of the group’s network and operations.