Republic Day alert in Manipur: Security forces recover arms cache, neutralise IEDs

IMPHAL: Ahead of Republic Day celebrations today, security forces in Manipur stepped up intelligence-based combing, cordon and search operations across vulnerable and fringe areas, recovering a large cache of arms, ammunition and explosives and arresting several persons linked to extortion and banned outfits.According to Manipur Police, extensive area domination exercises carried out between January 24 and 25 across multiple districts led to the seizure of sophisticated weapons, including RPG ammunition, assault rifles, grenades, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), detonators, magazines and communication equipment. The recoveries were made from locations in Churachandpur, Kakching, Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Jiribam districts. In a significant preventive action ahead of the national event, security forces also detected and neutralised three IEDs near the Indo-Myanmar Border under Moreh Police Station in Tengnoupal district.Parallel operations against extortion networks resulted in the arrest of an active cadre of the banned RPF/PLA, Yumnam Brojen Singh alias Kunjo (55), from Imphal West district on January 25. His younger brother, Yumnam Thomas Singh (45), was also arrested for allegedly attempting to destroy evidence linked to the case. In a separate operation, police arrested Md Nawaj Khan (32) from Senapati Bazar for allegedly issuing threat calls and extortion demand letters. Several documents and electronic devices were seized from the accused.Police said enforcement drives against traffic violations were also intensified during the period. Between January 19 and 25, authorities issued 188 challans, collecting fines amounting to Rs 2.74 lakh. Action was also taken against 11 vehicles fitted with tinted films, while one vehicle was detained.Appealing for public cooperation, authorities urged citizens to remain vigilant, avoid believing or circulating rumours and fake content on social media, and report any suspicious activity. People were also encouraged to voluntarily surrender looted arms, ammunition and explosives to the nearest police station or security force unit.(With agency inputs)