Imphal: Security forces in Manipur arrested three people in separate operations over 48 hours and recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition from several locations.

Joint teams led by Churachandpur Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Assam Rifles recovered an AK-47 rifle, a Self-Loading Rifle (SLR), a Carbine Machine Gun (CMG), other firearms, pistols and a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

In separate operations, police commandos arrested an alleged active member of a banned insurgent group in Imphal West, while Thoubal Police detained a suspect linked to recent mob violence in the Khangabok-Sangaiyumpham area.

In Churachandpur, police arrested 32-year-old Kamjau Vaiphei of B Aijalon village on suspicion of extortion. Officials said he was apprehended in Thingkangphai village with a looted 9mm automatic pistol.

During questioning, Vaiphei reportedly led police and a team from the 58th CRPF to a weapons cache near Teijang village. The team recovered an AK-47 rifle, an SLR and several rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

Meanwhile, the Assam Rifles continued search operations under “Operation Khojbeen” in the Phailengkot area.

The operation led to the recovery of a .22 rifle, a CMG, a Japanese pistol, a suspected IED, ammunition and magazines.

In Imphal West, a commando unit based in Khabeisoi arrested 32-year-old Moirangthem Nelson Meitei, alias Mani, an alleged cadre of the banned People’s Liberation Army (PLA). He was arrested at his residence within the jurisdiction of Singjamei Police Station.

In Thoubal district, police detained a third main accused in connection with recent mob violence in the Khangabok-Sangaiyumpham area. The accused was remanded to police custody for 10 days.

During follow-up cordon-and-search operations in the area, security personnel recovered a Double-Barrel Breech-Loading (DBBL) gun and 14 shotgun shells.

Authorities said the recovered items had been sent for forensic examination as search operations continued.