Security forces carried out a series of operations across Manipur leading to the arrest of four militants belonging to different underground groups, while Manipur Police conducted an awareness programme on crimes against women and children in connection with the ongoing Yaoshang festival.

Security forces arrested an active militant from his residence on Friday under Porompat Police Station in Imphal East district for alleged involvement in prejudicial activities. An associate of the arrested individual was also apprehended from the Khurai area during the operation. A 9 mm pistol along with a magazine was recovered from the associate. Security forces also seized two mobile phones and an Aadhaar card from their possession.

In another operation on the same day, security forces arrested another militant from Imphal International Airport. During the arrest, a mobile phone, a power bank and a backpack containing clothes were seized.

Security forces arrested two militants belonging to different underground groups from Ithing Khola playground under Keibul Lamjao Police Station in Bishnupur district.

Based on their disclosures, security forces recovered a cache of arms and explosives from the Takmu lakeside near Ithing playground. The recovered items included one HK-33 rifle with a magazine and 38 live rounds, three improvised explosive devices (IEDs), an olive green T-shirt and military-like clothing including camouflage pants and a camouflage T-shirt.

Meanwhile, Manipur Police conducted an awareness programme on crimes against women and children at Takyel Khongbal in Imphal West district in connection with the ongoing Yaoshang festival.

The programme was part of an ongoing public sensitisation campaign aimed at educating the public about crimes against women and children, particularly during the Yaoshang festival, and highlighting preventive measures to curb such incidents.