In a sweeping security drive across Manipur on July 4, state police intensified their crackdown on criminal and insurgent activities, arresting a militant, recovering illegal arms and explosives, seizing stolen vehicles, and enforcing traffic regulations in various districts.
The most high-profile arrest of the day came from Imphal West district, where an active cadre of the banned outfit United National Liberation Front (UNLF-P), identified as Heisnam Romeo Singh (38) of Laphupat Tera Hiyang Khong, was taken into custody by a team from Moirangkhom under Imphal Police Station. Singh, accused of engaging in extortion from government offices and private establishments in Greater Imphal, was found in possession of a mobile phone, a wallet, and cash amounting to Rs 22,500.
In a separate operation under Sekmai Police Station, police units combed through the Chanbirok hill area and recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition. The seized items included a modified bolt action rifle, a 9mm carbine submachine gun with a magazine, a No. 36 hand grenade (without a detonator), three rifle magazines, four rounds of 5.56mm INSAS ammunition, a helmet, and four improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Authorities suspect the items may be linked to insurgent movements in the hill tracts.
In Thoubal district, swift police action led to the recovery of four stolen vehicles from Lilong Turel Ahanbi under Lilong Police Station. The recovered vehicles included a white Mahindra Bolero, blue Maruti Suzuki Fronx, silver Maruti Suzuki Swift, and a black TATA Xenon. While the original owners of three of the vehicles have been traced and are in the process of reclaiming their property, the identity of the TATA Xenon’s rightful owner remains unverified.
Further south, in Churachandpur district, law enforcement officials recovered additional arms and ammunition from Chakmual village and adjoining areas under Churachandpur Police Station. The haul included a locally made single-barrel rifle with a magazine, five bolt cartridges, two 7.62mm live rounds, and eight tear smoke munitions. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source and intended use of the weapons.
