IMPHAL, January 24: Security forces have nabbed a s/s srt major of the proscribed UNLF and seized a huge cache of arms and ammunitions during seperate operations in the state.
In the run up to the Republic Day celebration on January 26, security forces have been conducting search operations at various parts of the state as part of their security measure.
According to a PRO, IGAR (s) release, during a joint operation launched by a combined team of troops of 30 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector AR under the aegis of HQ IGAR (s) and a team of the Imphal East Police commandos led by inspector P Achouba, resulted in the apprehension of a UG cadre and five OGWs of the UNLF.
It said the joint operation commenced from the wee hours of January 24, morning.
A cadre identified as army No 1343 s/s sgt maj Yumlembam Milan alias Kanglesembam, 35, son of (L) Y Manihar Singh of Nongren Maning Leikai of UNLF was apprehended during the operation from village Nongren, it said before adding that this was the tipping point of a chain reaction which subsequently led to the arrest of five OGWs (three females, two males) of the UNLF during three separate follow up operations in Itham Mamang Leikai, Sekta Mamang Leikai and Khudrakpam Awang Leikai.
The statement further identified the apprehended OGWs as Takhellambam Inao Singh, 40, son of T Amuyai, of Itham Mamang Leikai, Sapam (o) Bina Devi, 38, wife of Brojen Singh; Phijam (o) Jamuna Devi, 35, wife of P Chaoba Singh and Phijam (o) Moirangleima, 59, wife of Bidhur Singh.
Further according to the statement, the lady OGWs have owned up of being carriers of UNLF and that they have helped in transportation of arms, ammunition, explosives and funds in the past.
Further according to the statement, two AK 56 rifles, one 9mm pistol, one .38 Colt Pistol (US made); 60 live rounds of AK 56; five live rounds 9mm pistol; two mobile phones and Rs 2 lakh in cash were recovered from them.
The arrested alongwith the recovered items were handed over to Lamlai Police Station.
Meanwhile, a combined team of the Imphal West commandos, City unit and City Police personnel conducted a search operation at Khwairamband Keithel temporary market shed and its adjoining roads this noon.
The police team including women personnel was led by OC, City Police station, Sudhir.
Although individual spot verification of the people was conducted, no arrest was made during the operation.
On the other hand, a search operation by Imphal east district police was conducted at Khurai Chingangbam Leikai under Porompat Police Station.
Eight persons who failed to produce proper verification were detained and taken to the police station for further verification.