Imphal (Manipur) [India], August 24 (ANI): Manipur Police and Assam Rifles on Monday recovered several firearms, hand grenades, ammunition and protective gear during a joint search operation at the foothills of Sinam Kom village under Sagolmang Police Station in Imphal East, police said.

Based on reliable intelligence corroborated by 4 Mahar (Borders), a joint team of the Chief of Defence (CDO), Imphal East, and 28 Assam Rifles conducted the search operation, Manipur Police said in a post on X.

https://x.com/manipur_police/status/2091741106417566092

The recovered items included one 7.62 SLR (Self-Loading Rifle) with a magazine, one 5.56 INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) rifle with two magazines and one 9 mm pistol with a magazine.

The security forces also recovered one Pompi gun, one country-made lethal gun and two single-barrel guns, along with three No. 36 hand grenades and one MG2 mortar shell.

The operation also led to the recovery of 45 rounds of assorted live ammunition, four BP (Bulletproof) plates, eight BP jackets and two helmets, police said.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident on July 23, in a planned and coordinated joint operation by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police, a high-ranking United Kuki National Army (UKNA) cadre, alleged to be a self-styled Finance Secretary of the organisation, was apprehended from Molnom Village in Churachandpur district of Manipur.

According to an official release, the cadre is a High Value Target and was involved in large-scale extortion as well as firing incidents being carried out by UKNA in the area.

Upon confirmation of his presence in Molnom village, the security forces swiftly cordoned off the village and apprehended the individual.

The Police identified the individual as S Palal Thadou alias Lalboi Singson, age 45 years.

Extortion notes and a mobile phone were recovered from him.

This joint operation is a major success for the security forces and will contribute immensely towards peace being restored in the region, the release added. (ANI)