Churachandpur, May 7: Manipur security forces have arrested a self-styled Lieutenant of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA), allegedly involved in the killing of a village chief in Churachandpur district, officials said on Wednesday.
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| Security personnel with the arrested UKNA self-styled Lieutenant and recovered arms, ammunition and explosives outside Churachandpur Police Station in Manipur. (Image: X/manipur_police) |
The arrested cadre has been identified as Seimenlal Haokip (22), a resident of Ainujang village under Henglep Police Station in Henglep subdivision of Churachandpur district. He was apprehended by troops of the Assam Rifles from M Songgel village on May 5 during a coordinated operation.
Security sources said the operation was carried out swiftly and without any collateral damage. Following his arrest, the accused was handed over to district police authorities on Wednesday.
Officials stated that Haokip was allegedly involved in the killing of a village chief in the district.
Based on information obtained during the investigation, security forces launched further operations on May 6 in the forested areas of S Kholen and Ukha Loikhai, leading to the recovery of a large cache of arms, explosives and other materials.
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The recovered items included one 7.62 mm AK-47 rifle with a magazine, one Glock .32 ACP pistol, one 9 mm pistol magazine, 26 rounds of ammunition of different calibres, two hand grenades, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), one radio set, a Maruti Gypsy vehicle with key and a smartphone.
Security forces suspect the recovered arms and explosives were linked to militant activities in the area. Further investigation is underway to determine the network and possible involvement of other cadres.
Authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the case.
