Security forces in Manipur arrested three cadres of the proscribed militant outfit Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) near the Indo-Myanmar border in Tengnoupal district on May 31. The arrested individuals have been identified as Aheibam Ajay Singh (25) from Sugnu Awang Mandop Leikai in Kakching district, Leikhuram Johnson Meitei (22) from Moirang Tronglaobi Awang Leikai in Bishnupur district, and Sagolsem Sanajaoba Singh (26) from Singjamei Akampat Leikai in Imphal West district.

The arrests came amid intensified search operations and area domination exercises carried out across vulnerable and fringe areas of the hill and valley districts.

During one such operation in the general area of Khuangmun under Churachandpur Police Station, security personnel recovered a cache of arms and explosives. The seized items included a .303 rifle with an empty magazine, four single barrel guns, three modified long-range mortars, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) weighing three kilograms and one kilogram respectively, two live Pompi rounds, two bulletproof jackets with plates, a helmet, two ammunition pouches, and a Baofeng radio set.

In a separate operation conducted along the roadside of Khumbong Loubuk Lambi Tera Makhong Road under Patsoi Police Station in Imphal West district, security forces recovered a significant quantity of arms. The haul included a locally made carbine machine gun with magazine, a double barrel gun, a single barrel gun, a .32 pistol with magazine, two 7.62 light machine gun (LMG) magazines, a No. 36 high-explosive grenade with detonator, a Chinese hand grenade, two stun grenades, and assorted ammunition including 9 mm, AK rifle, .45 mm and .22 rounds. Additionally, three bulletproof vests, six bulletproof plates (two iron and four fibre), and camouflage uniforms were seized.

The operations are part of ongoing efforts to curb insurgent activity and ensure security across the state.