An armed individual was killed, and six others were apprehended following a clash between Thoubal District Commandos and members of an alleged militant group this morning. The encounter occurred at around 9:45 AM near Salungpham High School in Salungpham Maning Leikai, Salungpham Thongkhong of Thoubal district.
Police sources revealed that the operation began when the commandos pursued two vehicles—a Maruti Astar and a Maruti Alto—on suspicion. The occupants, allegedly part of an armed group, opened fire on the police, leading to a retaliatory exchange of gunfire.
During the encounter, seven individuals were taken into custody. One of them, identified as Laishram Prem, alias Loktak Singh (24), son of late L. Romen from Thoubal Khunou, was found injured and rushed to Raj Medicity. He succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The six others arrested are Thokchom Momocha, alias Sunny, son of Th. Achouba Singh from Heirok Part II Mayai Leikai, Sarangthem Anand Singh, alias Malem, son of S. Shyam Singh from Kakching Khunou Tampakmayum Lai Leikai, Ningthoujam Karna Singh, alias Pishak, son of N. Ukil Singh from Samaram Mapi Leikai Maning Laibung, Ningthoujam Manoranjan Singh, alias Khagemba, son of N. Singhajit Singh from Thinungei Kha Leikai, Thongam Phalguni, alias Urikpa, alias Khoithoi, son of the late Th. Deban Singh from Lamphel Sanakeithel and Leiba Moirangthem Johnson, alias Thouna, son of M. Kumar Singh from Lamphel Kombirei, currently residing at Khuyathong Polem Leikai Machin.
Authorities recovered a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and electronic devices during the operation. Items seized include one INSAS Rifle (5.56 mm), one Amogh Rifle (5.56 mm), one .303 Rifle, one SLR Rifle (7.62 mm), one INSAS Folding Rifle (5.56 mm), one INSAS Rifle (5.56 mm), one Amogh Rifle magazine with 27 live rounds, four INSAS magazines with 46 live rounds, two SLR magazines with 25 live rounds and one .303 Rifle magazine with 37 live rounds
Police sources said the group was involved in insurgent activities. An investigation is underway to uncover further details regarding their operations and affiliations.
