Security forces in Manipur have arrested three suspected militants and seized arms and narcotics following a deadly explosion in Bishnupur district that led to protests in several valley areas.According to Manipur Police, the explosion took place around 1 am on April 7 at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai under Moirang Police Station. The blast occurred inside the house of Oinam Mangalngamba Singh in what officials described as an unprovoked attack by unidentified armed persons.Two minors lost their lives due to bomb injuries, while their mother was seriously injured and is currently under treatment. The incident triggered anger in several valley districts, with people staging protests and blocking roads at different locations.
Following the blast, joint search operations were launched in sensitive areas, especially in Churachandpur district. The operations were carried out by teams of state police along with Assam Rifles and the Central Reserve Police Force.During the operations, three persons suspected to be linked to the United Kuki National Army were arrested. They have been identified as Jampao Kuki, Sasang, and Paulallem Vaiphai. Security forces recovered one AK-47 rifle with a magazine and 25 rounds, a pistol with two magazines and 15 rounds, and cash amounting to ₹20,100 from their possession. Two sacks of suspected narcotic substances, believed to be raw opium weighing about 21.19 kg, were also seized.
In another operation at Molphei Tampak in Churachandpur, more weapons were recovered. These included an MP-9 automatic rifle, a pistol with a magazine, two Lethode tubes, a locally made cannon, and five 70 mm cartridges.
