Security forces arrested an active member of the proscribed KCP (PWG) and seized a massive cache of arms, ammunition, and combat gear in separate counter-insurgency operations in Manipur on Thursday.

The arrested militant has been identified as Md. Tajuddin Shah alias Baboy (37) of Kshetri Awang Leikai. He was apprehended from Khurai Chairen Thong under Heingang police station in Imphal East. A mobile phone was recovered from his possession.

On the same day, a combined team of security forces launched a search operation in the foothills of Salungpham Mamang Leikai near Ringpam village in Thoubal district, leading to the recovery of a large quantity of weapons and equipment.

The haul included a 7.62 SLR rifle with magazine, a carbine with magazine, a rifle, two single-bore action rifles, an SBBL PAG, two Chinese-made hand grenades, a locally-made explosive, and several live rounds of assorted calibres.

Additionally, security personnel seized 10 bulletproof jackets, 40 camouflage pants, 32 shirts, 17 caps, six magazine pouches, 21 belts, 13 pairs of boots, a backpack, a helmet, two handheld radio sets with chargers, a tear smoke shell, an INSAS magazine, and insignia marked with the name and badge of the PLA.