IMPHAL, June 26: Security forces in Manipur have intensified intelligence-based combing and cordon-and-search operations across sensitive areas, leading to a major breakthrough on June 24 with the arrest of an active cadre of the banned outfit Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) — KCP (PWG).
The arrested cadre has been identified as Mutum Manaocha Singh alias Khullakpa (44), a resident of Tronglaobi Makha Leikai. Acting on a tip-off, security personnel apprehended him from a floating hut on Loktak Lake near the Champu Khangpok area, under Keibul Lamjao Police Station in Bishnupur district.
During the operation, authorities recovered a 9mm pistol with a magazine and two live rounds from the accused. Investigations revealed that several floating huts in the area were being used as transit shelters and hideouts by underground elements. A subsequent search of the structures led to the discovery of logistical items such as blankets, a gas stove, pressure cooker, plates, and a table fan, indicating prolonged militant use. These structures have since been dismantled by the forces.
Following the arrest, further interrogation of the suspect led to a major arms recovery from Nachou Awang Leikai, Patton Sallam Maton, also located in Bishnupur district. The cache included one MA-1 rifle with three magazines, 31 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and two sub-machine guns with accompanying magazines.
Officials described the operation as a significant blow to the underground militant infrastructure operating in and around the Loktak Lake region.
