Five militants arrested in Manipur

Security forces arrested five militants, belonging to various banned outfits, from the valley districts of Manipur, police said on Friday. At least 10 firearms and a cache of ammunition were seized in separate operations in two districts. An active cadre of the proscribed People’s Liberation Army was apprehended from the Koirengei Manung Laikhon Leikai area in Imphal East district on Wednesday, a police statement said.
Three banners of the outfit were recovered from his possession. Two other cadres of the banned organisation were also arrested from Yaingangpokpi in Imphal East district on the same day. One hand grenade, a detonator, and ammunition were recovered from them, the police statement said. Another member of the outfit was also arrested from the Waheng Khuman area in Imphal West district, it said.
One active cadre of the outlawed KCP (PSC) was apprehended from his residence at Lisham Leirak in Imphal East on Thursday, the police said.
Security forces also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during an operation in the Lairou Ching area in Imphal East district on Thursday.
In another operation at Pamchou hill range in Kakching district on Wednesday, several arms and ammunition were seized, the police statement added.
Security forces have been conducting search operations in Manipur since ethnic violence broke out two years ago.
More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic strife between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.