Imphal: Security forces have arrested three cadres of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) during a series of operations launched in the aftermath of the Tronglaobi bomb blast in Bishnupur district, police said on Thursday.
According to officials, multiple search operations were conducted in nearby areas of Churachandpur district following the incident. During the operation, three suspected UKNA cadres were apprehended along with arms and ammunition. However, authorities stated that it is yet to be established whether the arrested individuals were directly involved in the Tronglaobi attack.
The arrested persons have been identified as Jampao Kuki, Sasang, and Paulallem Vaiphai.
Security forces recovered one AK rifle with 25 rounds of ammunition, and a pistol with two magazines containing 15 rounds. In addition, two sacks of suspected narcotic contraband—raw opium weighing approximately 21.19 kg—were seized during the operation.
In a separate operation at Molphei Tampak in Churachandpur district, security personnel recovered one MP-9 automatic rifle, a pistol with a magazine, two Lethod tubes, a locally made “Pumpi” cannon, and five 70 mm cartridges.
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Meanwhile, the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) has issued a statement denying any involvement in the Tronglaobi blast that targeted civilians in Bishnupur district. The outfit termed the allegations “entirely unfounded” and claimed they were a deliberate attempt to misattribute blame in an already volatile situation.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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