KNA 'cadres' held with arms, ammos
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 16 2025: Security forces arrested seven individuals suspected to be cadres of the Kuki National Army (KNA) along with a large cache of arms, ammunition, and other incriminating items during an area domination and patrolling operation in the general area south of Old Khaukual village under Sangaikot Police Station in Churachandpur district on Friday.

According to police, the arrested individuals are Seikhogin Haokip alias Gigin (37), Ngamlenmang Mate alias Mangneo (25), Seikhomang Haokip alias Seimang (25), Thanglelmang Haokip alias Mangboi (27), Jamkhosei Haokip alias Seipu (32), Lhunkholal Khongsai alias Lalboi (34), and Mangkhangthang Kipgen alias Mamang (35) .

KNA 'cadres' held with arms, ammos

Authorities suspect that they are active members of KNA, an armed militant group of Kuki community.

Weapons and equipment seized from them include two AK-47 rifles, one 7.62 assault rifle, three single-bore rifles, 10 magazines of AK-47, 654 rounds of 7.62 mm, 19 cartridges of single-bore rifle, six mobile phones, three Baofeng radio sets, four power banks, one dynamo with a battery, three Khukris, three ammunition and magazine pouches, four shoulder bags, one torch, and a Maruti Gypsy vehicle used by the suspects.

On Friday, security personnel conducted a search operation in the general area of Senam village in Tengnoupal district, leading to the recovery of a large number of weapons and explosives.

The recovered items included a locally made 9mm pistol with a magazine, a Russian-made 7.65mm pistol with a magazine, and two locally made improvised long-range mortars.

Additionally, security forces seized 15 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) with a total weight of 70 kg, ten 7.62mm SLR rounds, ten 7.62mm AK rounds, 25 INSAS rounds, ten 7.62mm RIM-made rounds, five 9mm pistol rounds, and three 7.65mm pistol rounds.

Furthermore, four 36 HE hand grenades, 10 electric detonators, and five No 8 detonators were also recovered from the location.

In a separate operation conducted on the same day near Border Pillar No 73 and 74 in Tengnoupal district, security forces recovered two 12-bore pump guns, one locally made single-barrel rifle, four 36 HE hand grenades, two Motorola communication sets with batteries (Baofeng), and 94 rounds of 12-bore ammunition.

On Saturday, Bishnupur district police arrested an active cadre of the proscribed PREPAK (PRO) from Okshongbung Maning Leikai under the jurisdiction of Moirang police station.

The arrested individual has been identified as Yumlembam Arunkumar Singh alias Chingkhel (36).He was involved in extortion and other unlawful activities.

Police seized a mobile phone with an Airtel SIM card and an Aadhaar card from his possession.

In another operation the same day, Manipur Police arrested four active members of the armed KCP (PWG group) from Huikap village near an oil pump under Andro PS in Imphal East district.

The four arrested individuals, including two women, were allegedly involved in extortion and the transportation of arms and ammunition.

The arrested persons have been identified as Chaphamayum Sunder Singh alias Suresh (39), Nongthombam Boinao Meitei alias Lanjadaba (48), Leichongbam Ibesana Devi alias Pangthungnganbi (26), and Maibam Tony Chanu alias Chingkheinganbi (23) .

During the operation, police recovered two 9mm pistols with two magazines, ten 9mm rounds, and one .32 round.

Additionally, several incriminating documents and booklets were found in their possession.

Security forces also seized seven mobile phones, one sling bag, and two identification cards from the arrested individuals.