Security forces arrested a commander of SoO group with drugs and seized a number of weapons in search operations conducted in the fringe and vulnerable areas of Imphal-East, Kakching, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Thoubal and Imphal West districts on Tuesday.
As per a release from the Manipur Police Control Room, the seized items included eight arms (Assault Rifle-1, 303-1, SMG Carbine-3, Sten Gun-1, 9mm Pistol-2), 62 ammunition, 18 explosives, one country-made local bomb launcher (Pompi), two wireless sets (KENWOOD), two Tube Launching, one Smoke Grenade and five BP Jackets were recovered in Imphal-East district.
Moreover, two arms ( one 9 mm Pistol with mag and one local made single barrel), one 12mm bore live round, 21 heavy caliber machine gun rounds, one heavy Mortar (10ft), one country-made improvised Bomb, and one rocket propelled grenade were recovered in Old Dampi village, Churachandpur.
Earlier on Monday, one person was abducted by unknown miscreants from Ithai, Bishnupur following which the district police conducted a search in various areas of Bishnupur and rescued the abducted person. During the rescue, the Bishnupur district police also recovered one arm (SLR Rifle), 10 ammunitions, one Tear Gas Gun, seven munition shells and two smart phones allegedly used by the miscreants, the Police Control Room said.
On Sunday (October 15), upon receiving specific information of the presence of some UG cadres at Phaitol village, security forces launched an operation. During the operation, the team came across a white coloured Bolero bearing registration no. MN03P1934 near the community hall playground of Phaitol village.
On verification, the driver was identified as Lamtinsei Singson (50) @ Seipu @ Ishael, S/o Letkhosich Singson of Chiengkwnpang, Churachandpur and revealed that he is the Commander in Chief of UTLA/KNO (Seipu group) presently in SoO camp of Chongkhujou in Henglep of Churachandpur district.
On checking of the vehicle, 10 soap cases containing brown sugar weighing around 124 grams in total were found. The person with the vehicle along with the recovered items was handed over to Jiribam police station for further legal action, the police said.
Joint operations were also conducted by the combined team of state and central security forces at Phubala area, Kumbi Thingel Leikai, Saiton Hyeikon village, Moirang Khunou Mayai Leikai in Bishnupur District, Kasturi crossing. Thangal bazar, Moidangpok Khunjao village in Imphal West District, Langmeithek village, Tentha Khunou, Tejpur Mayai Leikai, Likla Kambong village. Kiyam Litanpok area in Thoubal District, Pallel Maning Leikai, opposite Pioneer English School and adjoining areas, Bijoypur Mamang and Maning Leikai in Kakching District. More than 600 houses were searched and over 1400 persons were verified. No arrests were made.
Joint Operations were also conducted in Vajing and adjoining areas, Khoinui village, Tollen Village and adjoining areas in Churachandpur District. In these search operations, around 150 houses were searched and around 200 persons were verified.
