Churachandpur (Manipur) [India], October 4 (HBTV): In a major breakthrough, the 36 Assam Rifles apprehended five cadres of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) during an operation in the general area of Songkot village, Henglep Sub-Division, Churachandpur district, on October 2. A cache of arms, ammunition, and other war-like stores was also seized.
The apprehended individuals have been identified as Paolenlal Kipgen (30), son of late Tongkam Kipgen of Boljol, Churachandpur; Kamgoulen (23), son of late Seilun Kipgen of K. Phaijang, Churachandpur; Lhunkholen Singson (26), son of late Mangkhopao Singson of Bolkot, Henglep Sub-Division, Churachandpur; Thangzasuan (14), son of Pauneilian Vaiphei of S. Bualkot, Churachandpur; and Khaiginpau (37), son of Lienzangul Vaiphei of S. Bualkot, Churachandpur.
The seized items include one M79 grenade launcher with three bombs, two 9mm pistols with five rounds, eight radio sets with four chargers, eight pairs of jungle shoes, three kilograms of opium seeds, and three mobile handsets.
Police have registered a case under Section 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Section 25(1-C) of the Arms Act, and Section 6 of the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act. The accused were produced before the Duty Magistrate and remanded to police custody, while the minor has been placed in an Observation Home. Further investigation is underway.
Earlier, between September 19 and 28, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles, under the Spear Corps and in coordination with Manipur Police, conducted intelligence-driven operations across Tengnoupal, Imphal East, and Chandel districts. These actions led to the apprehension of four cadres from various insurgent groups and the recovery of eight weapons, narcotics, and other war-like stores, according to a Ministry of Defence release.
On September 19, Assam Rifles also apprehended two cadres of PREPAK in the Toronglaobi Awang Leikai area. They were allegedly involved in extortion, and two mobile phones were recovered from them.
(ANI)