Imphal, April 8 (HBTV): In the backdrop of the deadly Tronglaobi incident that claimed the lives of two minor children, security forces on Thursday launched sweeping, coordinated operations across Churachandpur district, signalling an intensified crackdown on armed groups.
Amid the deteriorating law and order situation, a joint team of District Police and 2 JAKLI carried out an early morning operation at Molphei Tampak area, leading to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition. The seized items include one MP-9 automatic rifle, two lethode tubes, one pistol with magazine, one locally made cannon (Pumpi), and five 70mm cartridges.
The recovered weapons have been handed over to Churachandpur Police Station for further investigation.
In a parallel high-intensity operation, security forces comprising Assam Rifles and Special Forces launched a massive combing operation in Henglep area targeting cadres of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA), a non-SoO armed group active in the hill districts.
According to local sources, Special Forces personnel were air-dropped at Henglep helipad, while Assam Rifles troops simultaneously advanced by road, indicating a coordinated multi-pronged offensive amid heightened security alert following the Tronglaobi attack.
During the operation, three cadres of UKNA were reportedly arrested. However, authorities have not officially confirmed whether the arrested individuals are directly linked to the rocket attack in Tronglaobi that killed two children.
Sources indicate that the ongoing operations are part of a broader escalation in counter-insurgency measures following the incident, which has triggered widespread outrage and intensified pressure on security agencies to identify and neutralise those responsible.
The crackdown underscores a renewed push by forces to dismantle militant networks and recover illegal arms in the wake of the Tronglaobi killings.