Police in collaboration with Bishnupur Police, 33 Assam Rifles and other security forces, apprehended the prime accused behind the September 19 ambush on Assam Rifles personnel at Sabal Leikai, Nambol in Bishnupur district.

Based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of armed militants, a joint operation was launched around 1:00 am today in the Kameng area of Imphal West district. During the operation, security forces arrested Khomdram Ojit Singh alias Keilal, 47, son of late Kh. Mani Singh of Awang Leikinthabi Awang Leikai in Imphal West.

On-spot interrogation revealed that Ojit Singh, a bailed-out member of the proscribed People’s Liberation Army (PLA), continues to be active in the outfit. He admitted direct involvement in the ambush on 33 Assam Rifles personnel, and disclosed that after the attack, he and his associates fled towards the Loktak Lake area where they concealed their weapons.

Acting on his revelation, security forces recovered an A4 rifle with magazines, an HK rifle, two AK rifles, an INSAS rifle, three lathode shells, large quantities of AK, M16 and INSAS ammunition, along with a mobile handset, wallet and Aadhaar card, all of which were used in the ambush.

Police said the accused had earlier been arrested in 2007, but remained linked with the PLA. His interrogation has already provided crucial leads, and further raids are being carried out to apprehend other militants involved in the attack.