Manipur Police have arrested an alleged active member of the proscribed militant group Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) along with one of his associates in two separate operations carried out in Imphal West district. Police also recovered a large quantity of ammunition and explosives during the search operations linked to the arrests. According to officials, the first arrest was made on December 25. Police detained 44-year-old Salam Shyam Singh, a resident of Sega Road Takhellambam Leikai in Imphal West. He was picked up from a rented house at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Imphal Police Station. Police said the arrest came after specific inputs were received regarding his presence and alleged involvement with the banned organisation. Following his arrest, security agencies carried out follow-up investigations and questioning. Based on these inputs, police subsequently moved to another location and detained his associate, identified as 43-year-old Salam Naobi Singh, a resident of Nongmaikhong Awang Leikai in Kakching district. Officials said Naobi Singh was detained from his residence, where he was believed to be in possession of materials handed over to him.
During the search operations linked to both arrests, police recovered a cache of ammunition and explosive devices. These included:
111 rounds of ammunition of different calibres
One No. 36 high-explosive grenade without a detonator
Two detonators
Two mobile phones
Two Aadhaar cards
Officials said the recovery indicates that the men may have been handling or storing materials meant for militant activities. However, further verification and investigation are still underway to determine the source of the weapons, the intended use, and any possible involvement of other operatives. Police also stated that these arrests form part of the ongoing counter-insurgency operations being carried out across the state to track down militant networks, disrupt their movement, and prevent the circulation of weapons and explosives.
