Security forces in Manipur carried out a series of successful counter-insurgency operations on Thursday, leading to the arrest of an active cadre of the banned Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) and the recovery of a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives from different parts of the state. Officials said the operations, launched on September 11 based on intelligence inputs, mark a crucial step in tightening the crackdown on illegal weapons circulation and insurgent activities across Manipur. In one of the key operations, personnel arrested Moirangthem Ranjit Singh (43) from his residence at Lamsang Makha Leikai under Lamsang Police Station in Imphal West district. Singh, identified as an active KYKL member, was allegedly engaged in extortion activities, including collecting money from the public and pressuring individuals in loan recovery cases through threats and intimidation.
During the search of his residence, security forces recovered:
One 9mm pistol with magazine
One pump-action shotgun
18 rounds of 12-bore cartridges
Two empty magazines of INSAS LMG
Two empty magazines of INSAS rifle
One mobile handset
One Aadhaar card
Authorities said the seizure of weapons and incriminating materials is expected to shed further light on Singh’s activities and possible links with other members of the proscribed outfit. In a parallel operation, security forces conducted an extensive search in the foothill areas of Sonapur and Jairolpokpi village under Jiribam Police Station in Jiribam district. The operation led to the recovery of a stockpile of illegal arms and explosives believed to be hidden for use by insurgent groups.
The recoveries included:
One modified SBBL gun
Three country-made muzzle-loading SBBL guns
One .22 pistol
One country-made .22 DBBL shotgun
Eight 12-bore cartridges
56 vials and three small bottles containing gunpowder
240 pieces of lead
One iron rod used for gunpowder filling
Security personnel believe the weapons were intended for insurgent operations as well as for use in criminal activities, including extortion and intimidation of civilians.
