IMPHAL, December 18: In a swift action following the December 15 morning bomb blast at MG Avenue, the police have traced and arrested a URF cadre involved in the blast which killed two persons and left many injured.
Police said his arrest led to the arrest of another cadre of the URF (Lalheiba) faction after a brief shoot-out with some militant cadres.
On December 16, Imphal West District Police apprehended an active member of the URF namely Khangembam Sanjoy Singh alias Athoi alias Pamei alias Amumba, 20, son of Kh Manglemba Singh of Kumbi Lai Santhong Maning Leikai, Bishnupur presently staying at Uripok Achom Leikai from near the Lamsang Commando Post, said a statement of the PRO Police.
It said Sanjoy was involved in the bomb blast at MG Avenue on December 15 and investigation has revealed that he planted the IED under the instruction of Lalheiba Meitei.
Incriminating articles were seized from his possession it said, adding that further investigation led to the seizure of a Glock-26, 9mm pistol along with magazine loaded with five rounds which he had hidden at the rented house of RK Irabot Singh, 70, of Uripol Achom Leikai.
It said on further follow up action, a combined team of the Imphal West District Police, Senapati District Police and the 12 Assam Rifles raided the house of a person identified as Stephen at Kalianjang Village near Taphou Kuki Village, Senapati district.
An encounter ensued during the raid between the combined security team and some cadres of the URF which lasted for about 2/3 minutes, it said.
Following the encounter, the combined security team forced search the house of Stephen and arrested a self-styled 2nd Lt of the URF (Lalheiba) identified as Kamei Badal alias Bravo, 28, son of Kamei Makam of Jiribam Uchathal, the statement said adding that incriminating articles were also seized from his possession.
A case has been registered at the Lamsang Police and investigation is going on, it said.
Meanwhile, on December 16, a team of the District Police Commando, Thoubal conducted frisking and checking at Wabagai Lamkhai Bazar and arrested a cadre of the UNLF, namely, Sagolshem Malemnganba Meitei alias Chingburoi Meitei, 27, son of S Inaocha Singh of Keirak Tomal Makhong Pareng.
A case has been registered at Kakching Police Station and investigation is going on, it said.