Imphal: Security forces intensified counter-insurgency and anti-extortion operations across Manipur over the weekend, arresting at least six active cadres of various proscribed outfits, while recovering large cache of arms, ammunition, explosives and combat equipments, police said on Sunday.In one of the biggest seizures in recent times, security forces recovered four 9mm pistols with magazines, two single-barrel guns, a suspected improvised explosive device, weighing around 4.6kg, 14 grenades and 162 live rounds of different calibres from Khema reserve forest, near the forest beat officer’s office, at Napet Palli in Imphal East on Saturday.The cache also included 26 empty cartridge cases, two additional magazines, two stun shells, a rubber bullet, a BP iron plate, a BP jacket cover, an ammunition charger, a communication set and other items.On Sunday, security forces arrested Thounaojam Ibochouba Meitei, 56, alias Lamta, an active self-styled corporal of the proscribed RPF/PLA. A resident of Elangkhanpokpi Mamang Leikai, he was staying at Kakching Makha Leikai in Kakching district.In a separate operation at Lamdeng Khunou under Lamsang police station on Saturday, security forces arrested Konsam Boboy Singh, 39, alias Boy, an active cadre of the proscribed KCP (Apunba). A KYKL cadre allegedly involved in extortion, Naorem Priyokumar Singh, 37, alias Naoba, was arrested from his locality at Naorem Mayai Leikai in Bishnupur district the same day.Manipur Police also arrested another KYKL cadre, Khwairakpam Rojit Singh, 21, alias Chingsanglakpa, of Thamnapokpi Makha Leikai in Bishnupur. Police said he was involved in recruiting cadres for the outfit.In another operation at Ngangkhalawai in Bishnupur, a commando team arrested two KCP (Nongdrenkhomba) cadres for their alleged involvement in extortion.The operations continued on Sunday, with security forces recovering a .32 pistol with a magazine, a locally manufactured barrel gun and 20 hand grenades from the foothills of Potshangbam Khunou in Imphal East.In a separate joint operation at Khoirum Sabal in Imphal West, personnel from Imphal West Commando, Patsoi police and 33 Assam Rifles recovered eight single-barrel breech-loading guns, a 9mm pistol with a magazine, an anti-riot gun and four grenades.The team also seized six empty magazines of different weapons, including SLR, INSAS and .303 firearms, along with 86 assorted rounds, six anti-riot shells, a vehicular communication set and two handheld communication sets.
