Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, Jul 6: Security forces arrested six alleged militants belonging to two banned insurgent organisations and four suspected drug traffickers while seizing 239 kg of ganja during a series of operations carried out across Manipur over the past 24 hours, officials said on Monday.
According to a senior police official, the six militants, affiliated with the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and United National Liberation Front (UNLF), were apprehended from different locations in Imphal East district.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the arrested militants were allegedly involved in extorting money from contractors, government employees, traders and other civilians.
In a separate operation, security personnel arrested four individuals from various parts of Imphal East district and recovered 239 kg of suspected ganja (marijuana) from their possession.
Security forces also carried out search operations in Kangpokpi district along the India-Myanmar border, leading to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition.
The seized weapons included a 5.56 mm INSAS rifle with a magazine, 24 locally manufactured Single Barrel Breech Loading (SBBL) guns, along with a substantial quantity of ammunition.
The operations are part of the ongoing drive by central and state security agencies to curb insurgent activities and restore normalcy across the state. Authorities said regular search operations and area domination exercises are being conducted in fringe areas, mixed-population localities and other vulnerable regions to maintain law and order.
To strengthen surveillance, security forces have established 114 nakas and checkpoints across the valley and hill districts. The checkpoints are intended to monitor the movement of suspicious persons and vehicles, prevent the transportation of illegal arms, explosives and narcotics, and deter anti-social activities.
Security personnel have also continued to escort trucks and other vehicles transporting essential commodities along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37), a crucial supply route for the state. Officials said convoy protection and heightened security arrangements remain in force along vulnerable stretches of the highway to ensure the uninterrupted movement of goods.
Meanwhile, the Manipur Police appealed to residents to remain cautious of rumours and misinformation circulating on social media. The police urged the public to rely only on official sources for verified information and to cooperate with authorities in maintaining peace, stability and public order across the state.