Imphal, July 6 (IANS) Security forces in Manipur have arrested six militants belonging to two different banned insurgent outfits and four persons with 239 kg of contraband ganja (marijuana) during the past 24 hours, officials said on Monday.

A senior police official said that the six arrested militants, belonging to the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), were apprehended from different locations in Imphal East district.

According to the official, the arrested militants were allegedly involved in forcibly extorting money from contractors, government employees, traders, and other civilians.

In a separate operation, the security forces arrested four persons from different locations in Imphal East district and seized 239 kg of contraband ganja from their possession.

Meanwhile, the security forces also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during search operations in Kangpokpi district along the India-Myanmar border.

The recovered weapons include a 5.56 mm INSAS rifle with a magazine and 24 locally made Single Barrel Breech Loading (SBBL) guns, besides a large quantity of ammunition.

Security personnel of both central and state forces have continued their extensive crackdown against insurgent groups across Manipur as part of sustained efforts to restore peace and maintain law and order.

Search operations and area domination exercises are being carried out regularly in fringe, mixed-population and other vulnerable areas to prevent militant activities and ensure public safety. To strengthen security and monitor the movement of anti-social elements, 114 nakas and checkpoints have been set up across the valley and hill districts. These security measures are aimed at curbing the movement of anti-social and inimical elements, intercepting suspicious vehicles and preventing the transportation of illegal arms, explosives and other contraband.

Security forces have also been providing escorts to vehicles, including trucks carrying essential commodities, along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37), one of the state’s key supply routes. Strict security arrangements and convoy protection measures continue to remain in place along the vulnerable stretches of the highway to ensure the safe and uninterrupted movement of vehicles and essential goods.

Meanwhile, the Manipur Police have urged the public not to believe rumours and to remain vigilant against fake videos, misinformation and misleading content circulating on various social media platforms. The police appealed to citizens to verify information only through official channels and to cooperate with the authorities in maintaining peace, stability and public order across the state.

–IANS

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