IMPHAL, March 24: Security forces on Sunday arrested two individuals linked to the militant outfit Arambai Tenggol (AT) in connection with the violent clash between AT and UNLF(P) that occurred at Kongpal Khong in Imphal East on Saturday, March 22.

The arrested individuals were identified as Kshetrimayum Nikhil Singh (28) of Sajiwa Jail, Imphal East District, and Yumnam Pringanba Singh (23) of Moirangkampu Sajeb Awang Leikai, Imphal East District. According to a statement from the Manipur Police, raids are currently underway to apprehend other individuals involved in the violent incident. It was also confirmed that four members of UNLF(P) had already been arrested on Saturday.

The violence erupted when a group of 15 to 20 armed men, suspected to be from Arambai Tenggol, stormed the residence of an alleged UNLF(P) functionary, Irengbam Nandakumar Singh alias Tonsana (56), at Kongpal Chingangbam Leikai near Kongpal Thong. A physical altercation ensued, during which four UNLF(P) cadres sustained injuries from blunt weapons. Reports also indicate that gunshots were exchanged between the two groups.

Security forces responded quickly to the situation, detaining the four injured UNLF(P) cadres and transporting them to a hospital for treatment. Their condition was later reported to be stable, with no gunshot wounds.

Following the clash, security forces conducted a raid at the Arambai Tenggol Unit-17 office in Khurai, under Porompat Police Station, Imphal East District. The raid led to the seizure of several incriminating items, including weapons and accessories such as an INSAS bayonet, .303 bayonets, and swords, along with wireless communication equipment and ammunition. Additionally, 103 used cartridges and one live round were recovered, along with approximately 15 grams of a substance suspected to be heroin, various incriminating documents, including diaries and letterheads associated with Arambai Tenggol.

Security forces are continuing their operations to track down other suspects involved in the clash.