Manipur Police arrest key suspect in sabotage case, recover arms in search operations

The situation across Manipur remains tense but under control, following several key security developments in the last 24 hours.

In a joint operation conducted by the Special Task Force (STE) of Assam, a major breakthrough occurred on September 13 when Assam police arrested a key suspect from Manipur in Guwahati’s Beltola area. The individual, identified as LS Yosef Chongloi (34), a self-styled Finance Secretary of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA), has been implicated in multiple sabotage activities, including the recent bombing of Sapermaina Bridge on National Highway 2 and an armed attack on an Indian Oil Corporation Limited convoy in Tamenglong, Manipur. Manipur Police have confirmed their collaboration with Assam Police in further investigations.

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Yosef Chongloi, who had been previously dismissed from the Manipur Police Village Defense Force in 2022 for prolonged unauthorized absence, was also discovered to have a Facebook profile where he posed in a Manipur Police uniform.

Additionally, security forces conducted search operations in vulnerable areas of the hill and valley districts, recovering a significant cache of weapons and explosives, including a .32 pistol, 31 rounds of ammunition, 16 Pompi bombs, and gunpowder from Mongbung Village in Jiribam District.

In another incident, Manipur Police successfully rescued a 16-year-old boy, Mangboisang Singson, who had ventured into a dangerous area near Uchathol in Jiribam.

Security along National Highway 2 remains a top priority, with 122 vehicles transporting essential goods under strict convoy protection. A total of 110 checkpoints have been set up, and five individuals were detained for violations across the state.