Imphal, Aug 15: In a series of coordinated counter-insurgency operations ahead of India’s 79th Independence Day, security forces in Manipur have arrested multiple active insurgent cadres and recovered a massive cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives from several districts across the state.

Extensive intelligence-based combing, cordon-and-search, and area domination operations were carried out across multiple districts between August 13 and 14.

On August 13, police arrested Thokchom Premjit Singh alias BOC (23) of Khumbong Laingam Khul, an active cadre of the KCP (PWG), from his residence in Imphal West, seizing demand letters, money-receipt memos, and a mobile phone. The same day, in Thangal Bazaar, UNLF (P) member Sairem Saxena Meetei alias Athoiba (33) of Khurai Puthiba Leikai was apprehended for allegedly threatening the public with a pistol. A firearm, ammunition, holster, gun license, mobile phone, and bag were recovered from him.

On August 14, security forces apprehended Hidam Aboy Singh (30) of Nongren Mayai Leikai, a KCP (MFL) cadre, in Tairenpokpi Makha Leikai for alleged extortion and kidnapping activities.

Meanwhile, multiple arms recoveries were reported from eight districts — Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Tamenglong, Kakching, Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, and Bishnupur — covering villages such as Sandangsemba Maring, Sanjenbam, Khaidempalli, Phouoibi, Uchathol, Phaitol, Puksi Lairembi, Lairokching near Puksi Lairembi, Phaikot, and Samulamlan.

Recovered items included eight .303 rifles, six barrelled guns, six pistols, two INSAS rifles with magazines, five IEDs, five hand grenades, seven tube launchers, 12 bore live cartridges, four locally-made single-barrelled rifles, 40 rounds of live ammunition of various calibres, and four Baofeng radio sets. Additional seizures across the state included rifles, grenades, pistols, ammunition, magazines, radio sets, and protective gear from Imphal East, Thoubal, Jiribam, Kakching, and Kangpokpi districts.