Imphal, May 24 (IANS) Security forces in Manipur have arrested five militants belonging to two banned outfits and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from different districts during the past 24 hours, officials said on Sunday.

A police official said the arrested militants belonged to the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) and the Manipur Revolutionary Army (MRA).

The militants were apprehended from the hilly Churachandpur district and Imphal East district in the valley region during separate operations conducted by the security forces.

The arms and ammunition recovered from the arrested militants included one AK-47 rifle with a magazine, one INSAS rifle with four magazines, one 9 mm pistol with a magazine, 67 live rounds of ammunition of different calibres, two hand grenades and one camouflage bulletproof vest.

Several mobile phones, an Aadhaar card and a two-wheeler were also recovered from their possession, the official said.

In another operation, Manipur Police arrested a drug peddler identified as Tholung Koshel Lamkang (34) from Pallel Chandel Lamkhai along National Highway-102.

Police seized 189.05 kg of opium seeds along with a car from his possession. Further investigation into the matter is underway, officials added.

The police official said intelligence-based combing, cordon and search operations are being conducted extensively across different districts to apprehend individuals involved in kidnapping, extortion and other unlawful activities in the state.

Search operations and area domination exercises are also being jointly conducted by Central and state security forces in fringe, mixed-population and vulnerable areas across several valley and hill districts of Manipur.

To prevent the movement of illegal elements and suspicious vehicles, a total of 114 nakas (checkpoints) have been set up across the state in both valley and hill districts.

Security personnel are also providing escorts to various vehicles, including trucks carrying foodgrains and essential commodities, along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37).

Strict security arrangements and convoy protection measures continue to remain in place in sensitive stretches to ensure the safe and smooth movement of vehicles.

Meanwhile, Manipur Police urged the public not to believe rumours and to remain cautious about fake videos circulating on social media platforms.

“The authenticity of any circulated videos or audio clips can be verified through the Central Control Room. Uploading or sharing fake posts on social media will invite legal action,” a police statement warned.

–IANS

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