IMPHAL, June 7: In a series of coordinated operations across Manipur, security forces have successfully uncovered a significant cache of weapons, explosives, and arrested multiple militants with links to banned insurgent groups. The operations were conducted in the districts of Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Imphal West.

A joint team of central and state police forces carried out successive search operations based on intelligence gathered from various sources. On Friday, the team focused their efforts on suspected militant camps in the Kuki-dominated villages of Kotzim and Tengnoupal, leading to the discovery of a range of military-grade equipment.

In Kotzim village, located around 4.5 km northwest of the COB Kotlen outpost, security forces unearthed a significant arsenal, including one US-made M16 rifle, a bolt-action rifle, three pull mechanism rifles, three improvised mortars, five mortar bombs, a Motorola communication set, and a bulletproof jacket. This discovery was a result of a focused search aimed at militant hideouts in the region.

Meanwhile, in the Tengnoupal area, another operation led to the recovery of four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which were safely retrieved by authorities. These materials, typically used by insurgent groups, pose a significant threat to civilian safety and security.

In addition to these major recoveries, security forces arrested three militants linked to two banned insurgent groups. Two members of the Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) were arrested in separate operations in the Bishnupur and Kakching districts. One of the arrested militants was allegedly involved in extortion activities targeting local businesses, educational institutions, and even elected officials in the Kumbi area.

A third arrest took place in Imphal West, where a cadre of the United People’s Party of Kangleipak (UPPK) was taken into custody. According to police sources, this individual was also implicated in various illegal activities in the region.