Security forces have arrested the main suspect in the September 19 ambush on Assam Rifles personnel in Manipur, which resulted in two soldiers’ deaths and five others injured. The operation also resulted in the seizure of a significant cache of weapons.
The breakthrough occurred early on Tuesday after a carefully planned joint operation by the District Police Imphal West, Bishnupur Police, and the 33 Assam Rifles. The forces focused on and arrested Khundongbam Ojit Singh (47), also known as Keilal, who lives in Awang Leikinthabi Awang Leikai in Imphal West.
A Repeat Offender with a Direct Link to the Attack in Manipur
Singh is already known to law enforcement. He is a former member of the banned People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and has a history of militant activity, having been arrested before in 2007. During a thorough interrogation after his latest arrest, Singh admitted his involvement in the September 19 ambush at Sabal Leikai. He said that he still works for the outlawed group and provided important details about the attack, where militants fired on Assam Rifles troops before fleeing toward the Loktak Lake area.
Arms Haul Prevents Future Attacks
Following Singh’s statements, the joint team conducted a follow-up search operation in Manipur. It led to the recovery of a dangerous stockpile of arms and ammunition. The seized items include
- Four high-calibre rifles: 1 A4 rifle, 1 HK rifle, and 2 AK-series rifles.
- An INSAS rifle used by security forces, shows theft or looting.
- A total of 14 magazines for the different rifles.
- A large amount of ammunition: 170 rounds of AK ammunition, 216 rounds of M16 ammunition, and 67 rounds of INSAS ammunition.
- Three lathode shells.
- Personal items, including a mobile phone, wallet, and Aadhaar card.
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