Imphal, June 17 (IANS) Three hardcore militants were arrested, and 26 illegally constructed bunkers were destroyed in separate operations across Manipur, officials said on Wednesday, as security forces intensified anti-insurgency and law enforcement measures in the state.

A police official said that three hardcore cadres of the outlawed People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and its political wing, the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), were arrested from different locations in Imphal West district.

The three active PLA/RPF cadres were allegedly involved in several violent incidents and numerous criminal activities in the state.

In another major operation, security forces destroyed 26 illegally constructed bunkers in Kamjong and Ukhrul districts. The bunkers were reportedly set up by armed cadres of different groups to carry out violent activities and maintain control over certain areas.

During the operations, security personnel recovered a binocular, 23 empty cases of different weapons and eight live rounds of Single Barrel Breech Loading (SBBL) guns from the bunker sites.

Meanwhile, Manipur Police arrested two persons from Molnom village in Churachandpur district and seized approximately two kilograms of suspected morphine from their possession.

In a separate operation, security forces arrested one Yumnam Seityajit Mangang (36) from Imphal East district. A .22 calibre revolver along with nine live rounds of .22 ammunition was seized from him.

The official said that, in a coordinated effort, combined teams of security forces have been conducting extensive cordon-and-search operations and area domination exercises in the fringe and vulnerable areas of the violence-affected districts of Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Thoubal.

Strict security measures have been put in place across sensitive areas. Nakas and checkpoints have been set up at various locations, while large-scale combing operations have been underway since Tuesday.

Manipur Director General of Police (DGP) Mukesh Singh is personally overseeing the operations in areas that have witnessed a recent spurt in killings and armed activities involving different communities.

Meanwhile, three injured youths belonging to the Kuki tribal community were shifted out of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal following widespread protests over their treatment at the government-run medical college and hospital.

The three youths sustained injuries during an exchange of fire between rival armed tribal groups in Kangpokpi district on Monday (June 15).

According to the police official, the injured youths were shifted from RIMS around midnight on Tuesday under elaborate security arrangements to ensure their safety and prevent any untoward incidents. The youths are being taken to another hospital, though the authorities have not disclosed the destination for security reasons.

–IANS

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