Four held trading looted arms
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 26 2023:
A combined team of Manipur police and central forces, after receiving reliable input, conducted search operations in Kairang Awang Leikai, Khomidok and Heikru-makhong areas under Heingang police station on Monday and arrested four people, who were caught selling the guns looted from police.
Meanwhile, nearby locals set on fire the houses of two out of the four gun dealers.
The arrested gun dealers have been identified as Md Nursafi (33) s/o Md Nizam of Helkrumakhong Kewa Makhong, Md Sanayai (46) s/o (L) Md Achou and Md Rashid Ali (50) s/o (L) Md Achou, both of Khomidok Sorok Mapal, and Md Has-san (40) s/o (L) Md Abdul Rahim of Kairang Awang Leikai.
Briefing media persons at Heingang police station on Monday, Imphal East SP Ksh Shivakanta informed that on receiving input of presence of some gun dealers, a team of Imphal East district commando, Heingang PS and 16 JAT Regiment conducted search operations at the aforementioned locations from 4.30 am to 11.30 am Monday.
During the operation, the team arrested four people who had been selling the guns and ammunition looted from the police, along with some cash suspected to be proceeds from sale of the weapons.
The SP continued that the team recovered one 9mm carbine 1A1 and an empty magazine from Md Hassan along with one point 22 pistol marked as Star and an empty magazine, one air pistol, Rs 2.5 lakh in cash, one Khaki colour Tata ACE HT (MN 07C/4431) and one iPhone; two magazines of 5.56mm INSAS, one (30-30) LMG magazine, 21 live rounds of 7.62 mm calibre, one white colour Mahindra Bolero pick up FB (MN 04P/1374) and one Nokia mobile phone from Md Rashid; one MI 6A from Md Nursafi and one mobile handset from Md Sanayi.
The team also recovered four bayonets (Sangin) during the search operation in Heikru-makhong area.
Heingang PS has registered an FIR in this regard and further investigation is underway, he conveyed.
The SP further informed that during preliminary investigation, Md Hassan and Md Rashid Ali conceded they had already sold off some of the looted weapons at a total cost of Rs 6 lakh.
Md Nursafi and Md Samayai were also found to be involved in this matter.
Appealing to the public to return the stolen arms and ammunition, SP Shivakanta said that more search operations will be carried out in a strict matter.
Anyone found in possession of the stolen weapons during the operation will be liable for strict legal action, he cautioned.
Meanwhile, the Meitei Pan-gal populace of the area set on fire houses of two of the gun dealers on Monday, accusing them of selling the weapons to Kuki militants.
On the other hand, a combined team of BSF A/170, Imphal West district commando and Patsoi police conducted a search operation at Moidangpok Khunou from 9.15 am to 11.40 am Monday.
In all, 70 houses were searched.
However, there is no report of any arrest made or recovery of weapon.