Armed miscreants exchanged heavy gunfire at Koutruk Mayai Leikai under Lamshang Police Station in Imphal West, Manipur on Saturday around 2:05 pm, resulting in injuries to three individuals.
As per sources, at least six-seven vehicles heading towards Koutruk from Phumlou attempted to abduct two individuals. However, the Meira Paibis intervened and successfully rescued the victims.
Shortly after, the armed miscreants from the Phumlou side attacked a Bolero car heading from Koutruk Ching Leikai, resulting in a heavy exchange of gunfire between both sides.
During the firing, two individuals sustained injuries and were admitted to RIMS Hospital, while a third was taken to Raj Medicity.
The injured were identified as Pukhrambam Amar, 22, of Mayang Langjing, sustained injury in the right knee, and Moirangthem Alex, 30, of Langthabal, sustained injury in the left hand. The third individual was identified as Laishram Gopen, 39, son of L Ibomcha of Tentha in Thoubal District.
A team led by Imphal West SP Ksh Shivakanta, along with additional SP Amit, OC CDO West P Achouba, and RAF personnel, conducted a search operation in the area. During the operation, the combined security forces seized a gypsy, two LPG cylinders, empty ammunition casings, and clothing. The combined forces left the area at 5.40 pm.
Meanwhile, Manipur Police arrested five individuals who were involved in the exchange of firing at Koutruk, Imphal West after the incident.
They have been identified as Pukhrambam Binit alias Amar Meitei ,19, Longjam Momocha alias Vishal Meitei, 34, Thokchom Loyasana alias Yaiphaba, 41, Wangkhem Dilip Meitei, 45, and Ningthoujam Ibomcha Meitei, 40, stated a release issued by the Police Control Room, Manipur Police.
Further legal proceedings are being taken up against them, it stated
Search operations and area domination were conducted by security forces in the fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts, it mentioned.
It stated that the Police Control Room, Manipur Police stated that one 9mm Pistol along with magazine, one HE-36 hand grenade, 10 live ammunition rounds and one Smoke Grenade were seized from Waithou area in Thoubal district.
Manipur Police arrested three cadres of proscribed outfit KYKL from Changangei Uchekon, Imphal West, it stated.
They are identified as Oinam Milan Singh ,52, Yumnam Ranbir Singh ,51, and Khaidem Dhanabir Meitei, 24, it mentioned. They were involved in extortion activities in and around Imphal area, it added.
From their possession, four mobile handsets, two Aadhaar cards, two driving licenses, two PAN cards, one voter card, three wallets, a sum of Rs. 9125 and one four-wheeler Vehicle were seized.
It mentioned that the movement of 84 vehicles along NH-2 with essential items has been ensured. Strict security measures are taken up in all vulnerable locations and security convoys are provided in sensitive stretches in order to ensure free and safe movement of the vehicles, it stated.
A total of 105 Nakas/ Checkpoints were installed in different Districts of Manipur, both in the hill and the valley and Police detained 173 persons in connection with violations in different districts of the State, it mentioned.
It appealed to the general public not to believe in rumours and be aware of false videos. Any circulation of unfounded videos etc. may be confirmed from the rumour free number 9233522822 of the Central Control room, it said. It further appealed to the public to return the looted arms, ammunition and explosives to the police or nearest security forces immediately.
