Seven militants arrested in Manipur

Personnel of 15th Assam Rifles battalion launched a search operation at Heirok Part Two area in Thoubal district following reported infiltration of ultras yesterday during which they nabbed two militants identified as Oinam Benarjit (18) and Laishram Ingocha (18), police said today.

Benarjit and Ingocha of banned Kangleipak Communist Party (Noyon) were allegedly involved in planting a powerful bomb which exploded as a BSF jawan at the roadside of Heirok Chingdompok in the district was patrolling the area last week, sources said.

Two kgs of explosive material, four Chinese-made hand grenades and one 9mm pistol were recovered from their possession.

In another incident, police commandos arrested two militants whose organisation was not yet disclosed while frisking passers-by at Pallel Bazar area in Thoubal district yesterday, police sources said adding that the two were identified as F Jiten (43) and Lamsi Guite (30).

The two had brought a youth identified as M Abung (16) from Wangu area of the same district for recruitment in the rank of militants, sources said. Abung was rescued by the commandos.

In yet another combing operation at Bomoi village in Churachandpur district bordering with Myanmar and Mizoram, police and security personnel arrested three militants of Hmar People's Convention. Three were identified as R Chalwa Simon, Kenedy Hmar and Roulanilan Lunthungling.

Two pistols along with some live ammunitions were recovered from them.

All the seven arrested militants have been handed over to Imphal West district police station.