IMPHAL, September 24: In a significant breakthrough, a joint team of security forces has apprehended the prime accused in the September 19 ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy in Manipur’s Bishnupur district. The attack had tragically claimed the lives of two soldiers and injured five others.
The arrested individual has been identified as Khomdram Ojit Singh, 47, an alleged member of the proscribed People’s Liberation Army (PLA). He was taken into custody today, September 24, at approximately 1:00 am, during a special operation in the Kameng area of Imphal West district. The operation was a collaborative effort involving District Police from Imphal West and Bishnupur, along with personnel from the 33-Assam Rifles and other security forces, following specific intelligence reports.
According to a press release from the Director General of Police, Khomdram Ojit Singh admitted to his direct involvement in the ambush that occurred at Sabal Leikai, Nambol. He confessed to firing upon the Assam Rifles personnel before fleeing the scene towards Loktak Lake, where he hid his weapons at a secret location. Singh, who was previously arrested in 2007, also confirmed that he is a bailed-out member of the PLA and continues to work for the banned outfit.
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Acting on the accused's confession, the security forces were able to recover a large cache of arms and ammunition from the concealed location. The recovered items included:
• 1 A4 rifle with 4 magazines
• 1 HK rifle with 2 magazines
• 2 AK rifles with 5 magazines
• 1 INSAS Rifle with 3 magazines
• 3 lathode shells
• 170 rounds of AK ammunition
• 216 rounds of M/16 ammunition
• 67 rounds of INSAS ammunition
Additionally, a mobile handset, a wallet, and an Aadhaar card were seized.
The police have stated that the interrogation of the arrested individual is ongoing and has already yielded several key leads. Raids are now being conducted in various locations to apprehend other individuals believed to be involved in the ambush. The police headquarters affirmed their commitment to continuing operations until all perpetrators are brought to justice.
