Manipur Police Smash Arms Smuggling Plot: KCP (MFL) Cadre Nabbed With Heavy Arsenal
Manipur Police arrested a KCP (MFL) cadre in Imphal West, seizing an M4 rifle, LMG, grenades, and explosives in a major security operation.
In a major blow to insurgent activities in the region, the Imphal West Commando unit of the Manipur Police has successfully arrested an active cadre of the Kangleipak Communist Party (Miyamgi Fingang Lanmi) [KCP (MFL)]. The operation, which took place in the Imphal West district, led to the recovery of a massive consignment of sophisticated weaponry, ammunition, and explosive materials.
The Sting Operation in Lamdeng Makha Leikai
The high-stakes operation was carried out on October 15 in the Lamdeng Makha Leikai area. Security forces intercepted a vehicle transporting a lethal cache of arms. The individual apprehended during the raid has been identified as 37-year-old Saiche Boysan Kom, son of the late Akhup Kom. Kom is a resident of Lairok Kom Village, located in the Imphal East district.
A Deadly Arsenal Recovered
Upon searching the vehicle, the police team discovered a staggering array of high-grade military weaponry. The seized items include:
- Heavy Firepower: One .303 Light Machine Gun (LMG), one M4 rifle with magazine, one AK-56 rifle with magazine, and one AK assault rifle with magazine.
- Handguns: Two .32 caliber pistols, complete with magazines.
- Explosives and Ordnance: A 51 mm mortar gun with five shells, four Lathode shells, three No. 36 High Explosive (HE) grenades, and one hand grenade of Chinese origin.
- Ammunition: Five detonators and 87 rounds of live ammunition of various calibers.
Beyond the weaponry, the police also confiscated six handheld wireless communication sets, three chargers, and the vehicle used by the suspect to transport the contraband.
Secondary Strike: Joint Operation on IT Road
The crackdown on illegal arms did not stop there. In a separate but equally critical joint operation on October 16, the Manipur Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) targeted the Kangpokpi-Tamenglong axis.
Focusing on the strategic IT Road corridor, security forces conducted searches in the Lasan and Langka areas. This operation resulted in the recovery of several more firearms, highlighting the ongoing struggle against weapon smuggling in the state.
Arms Recovered in Joint Raid:
- One Self-Loading Rifle (SLR)
- One INSAS rifle
- One modified .303 rifle
- One country-made gun (locally referred to as a 'Pompi')
- Five shotguns (combination of single and double-barrel)
- A significant quantity of assorted live ammunition
These back-to-back operations signify a concerted effort by security agencies to neutralize the logistics and capabilities of banned outfits operating within Manipur.