Manipur: Three arrested over Khongban Sanurok attack, 12 firearms seized

Three people have been arrested and 12 firearms seized during a joint security operation in Manipur following the deadly attack at Khongban Sanurok that left three people dead and three others injured, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo said on October 20.

Addressing a press conference at the Police Headquarters late Tuesday evening, Lhatoo said an intensive joint search operation was underway at S Phailenkot and neighbouring villages under Sagolmang police station following the attack.

The operation involved the Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA).

According to Lhatoo, preliminary investigations led to the arrest of three individuals, two of whom allegedly admitted to their direct involvement in the attack that killed three people and injured three others.

Security personnel recovered 12 firearms, including INSAS rifles, AK-47s, sniper rifles, M16 rifles, a lethod gun and a handmade rocket launcher; weapons were sealed based on disclosure from the accused. The recovered items also included 1,099 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, a Pompi bomb, Chinese hand grenades, radio sets, uniforms and poppy seeds.

17 detained during search at designated SoO camp

In a separate operation, a joint team comprising the Manipur Police, CRPF, CoBRA, Border Security Force (BSF), Assam Rifles and the Army searched Sinai Camp, a designated Suspension of Operations (SoO) camp.

Lhatoo said 17 individuals had been detained during the operation after their identities reportedly did not match the lists of cadres maintained by the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the Kuki National Front (KNF).

He said a detailed investigation was underway and that ammunition and magazines were found to be missing from the camp. The security team also cross-checked the seized weapons as part of the verification process.

DGP visits attack site

Assuring the public of steps to maintain law and order, Lhatoo said Director General of Police Mukesh Singh, accompanied by senior officials, had visited the site of the attack.

He appealed to the public not to believe rumours or circulate unverified information as the investigation continues.