Imphal, August 6: Security forces in Manipur arrested the self-proclaimed leader of the banned United Kukis National Army (UKNA) on Thursday in Churachandpur district. Following the arrest, authorities recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition, and explosives based on information obtained during interrogation.
A senior police officer reported that RC Singson, the self-styled head of the UKNA, was apprehended in the Old Gelmol village of Churachandpur. This district shares an interstate border with Mizoram and an unbarred international border with Myanmar.
According to officials, the UKNA is a militant organization representing the Hmar tribal community and is not part of the rebel groups covered under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with the central government.
During the interrogation of the arrested militant leader, security forces conducted a search operation in the jungles of Thingchawm village in the same district. They discovered a significant amount of weapons, ammunition, and communication equipment.
The seized items included an AK-47 rifle with a magazine, a 9mm pistol with a magazine, three improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and two Baofeng radio communication sets. Police stated that investigations are ongoing to trace the source of these weapons and identify other members of the militant network.
Meanwhile, based on information from the Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), personnel from the Imphal Airport police station detained 15 individuals (six women and nine men) who arrived on an Indigo flight from Delhi.
Subsequently, police transferred all 15 individuals along with their 79 pieces of luggage to the Singjamei police station. During the investigation, authorities found 519 bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in their luggage, allegedly being transported in violation of current regulations.
A police officer confirmed that an investigation has begun, and the seized liquor along with the detained individuals will be handed over to the excise department for further legal action.
In another development, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh chaired a high-level meeting to review security arrangements around the state civil secretariat complex located in Ministerpukhri, Imphal East district.
The meeting included the state’s Home Minister, K. Govindas Singh, Minister for Art, Culture, and Tourism, Loken Khurai Jam Singh, Director General of Police (DGP) Mukesh Singh, and several senior civil and police officials.
Later, in a social media post, the Chief Minister emphasized, “Ensuring the security and safety of the civil secretariat is our top priority.” The meeting aimed to finalize crucial measures to enhance security arrangements and ensure smooth operations within the secretariat.
Officials noted that the purpose of the review meeting was to strengthen the security framework to maintain a safe environment for the functioning of the state’s administrative headquarters, improve monitoring, enhance access control, and ensure better coordination among various security agencies.
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