Manipur Police and joint security forces have arrested four cadres of United National Liberation Front (Pambei) [UNLF(P)] and recovered a huge cache of arms, explosives and war-like stores during a series of operations conducted at Lamdeng under Lamsang Police Station. UNLF (P) has signed cease fire agreement with the government.
According to a press statement issued by Manipur Police, the operation was launched on May 20 following credible information regarding the sale of looted arms and ammunition in the Lamshang area.
During the operation, two active UNLF(P) cadres identified as Heishnam Thomas Singh (29) of Mayang Imphal Kokchai and Arambam Tomtom Singh (29) of Lamshang Heibongpokpi Mayai Leikai were apprehended along with one INSAS LMG, three INSAS LMG magazines and 14 live rounds.
Police stated that while the arrest process was underway, associates of the cadres allegedly opened fire on security forces, leading to a brief exchange of fire. Subsequently, two more cadres identified as Ningthoujam Rakesh Singh and Chingakham Mahesh Singh, who were allegedly involved in the firing, were also arrested.
During preliminary interrogation, the arrested cadres reportedly disclosed that they had come to sell the seized weapon on the instruction of self-styled Lance Corporal Naorem Bijoy alias Macha of UNLF(P). They also allegedly admitted involvement in previous sale of looted arms and ammunition.
Following the arrests, joint security forces comprising Manipur Police, Assam Rifles and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) carried out cordon and search operations at an alleged unauthorized UNLF(P) camp in Lamdeng.
Security forces recovered 29 weapons, including AK-series rifles, M-series rifles, pistols and other firearms, along with war-like stores during the first phase of the operation.
In a follow-up operation conducted on May 21, the joint forces recovered 38 additional weapons and heavy stores, including AK-series rifles, M-series rifles, a sniper rifle, carbines, shotguns, mortars, an RPG-7 launcher, an anti-drone jammer and a large cache of explosives.