Improvised rockets recovered in Manipur

Imphal: Security forces have recovered two improvised rockets along with a large cache of arms, ammunition, and military-style clothing during search operations and area domination exercises conducted in the fringe and vulnerable areas across Manipur.

An operation carried out at Phayeng Makha Leikai under Lamsang police station in Imphal West district led to the seizure of various items. These included two improvised rockets, two improvised mortar ‘pompi’, three helmets, eight bulletproof plates, twelve military trousers, six military shirts, nine military T-shirts, eleven pairs of military shoes, said a police press statement on Friday.

Use of improvised rockets was first witnessed in September last year, targeting the residence of the first chief minister of Manipur, killing one and injuring five civilians in Moirang, Bishnupur district of Manipur bordering Churachandpur district. Two military sweaters, five official party flags of the proscribed outfit People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were also recovered.

In a separate incident, the same day, Manipur Police arrested an alleged illegal arms smuggler near the Bazar India Shopping Mall at Chingmeirong, in Imphal West. Police said the suspect has been identified as Konsam Romeo Singh, 50, a resident of Sawombung Maniyaiskul in Imphal East district. From his possession, police recovered one 9mm pistol with a magazine loaded with ten rounds, a mobile phone, Rs 330 in cash, and an identification card.

On the same day, in a separate development, police detained another individual from the Jama Masjid area under Lilong police station in Thoubal district. The suspect, identified as Chongtham Ebungo Singh, 20, of Lamboikhongnangkhong, Imphal West, was found in possession of a Maruti Wagon R.

Upon verification, it was revealed that the vehicle had been stolen earlier that day from the Thangmeiband area in Imphal West, and a theft report had already been lodged at Imphal police station, the police statement said. The suspect was subsequently arrested, and the stolen vehicle was seized, it added.