Police have apprehended an individual suspected to be a cadre of a proscribed outfit along with weapon.
The arrestee has been identified as PREPAK (PRO) cadre, SS Sergeant Major Robert Lalhadan, from Saikot, Churachandpur. An INSAS Excalibur Rifle was also reportedly recovered from his possession.
According to reports, a joint team of Myanmar army and Valley Based Insurgent groups (VBIGs) reportedly launched an attack on positions of Peoples Defence Force (PDF) in a general area south of Pantha in Myanmar around 5:30 am on Wednesday.
As per intelligence reports, an intense firefight ensued, in which several casualties were reported on both sides.
The statement further stated that following the fight, villagers from Myanmar around 6:00 pm on Friday approached the Assam Rifles personnel deployed near BP 72 and handed over the mentioned arrestee, who was in possession of one INSAS Excalibur Rifle with registration number 141801685 (likely looted weapon of Police) in the said firefight.
Upon interrogation, it was found out that the arrestee is allegedly a drug addict and had gone across indo-Myanmar Border through the Ukhrul route into Myanmar in 2018 to pursue drugs.
He also disclosed that upon arriving in Myanmar, he joined PREPAK (PRO) in 2018 and acquired weapon training at Naungketsha. During his stay in Myanmar, he resided at several VBIG camps, including Naugnketsha, Hesin, and Tarnu. For the most part, he was based at Hesin, where approximately 60 cadres of PREPAK (PRO) were also present, reports mentioned.
It further stated that he was reportedly operating with Chairman of PREPAK(PRO) Paliba and SS Captain Oinam Babu alias Gulu. It was also found out that he participated in an operation with SS Capt Oinam Babu and 38 other cadres on Wednesday.
He revealed that during the operation, they advanced towards Lalim (located between Pantha and Nanmuntha) where they encountered cadres of PDF in Myanmar.
The arrestee along with the INSAS Excalibur Rifle was handed over to Manipur Police for necessary actions.
Two UG cadres arrested
A team of 3 Assam Rifles arrested two individuals suspected to be PLA cadres near BP-87, under Tengnoupal Police Station in Tengnoupal District around 5 am on Saturday.
According to sources, the arrestees have been identified as 21-year-old Ningombam Priyo Singh, son of N Kanta Singh from Maklang Awang leikai and Saikhom Devjit Singh, 21 years, son on Inoacha Singh from Pangong.
The arrested persons have been handed over to Pallel Police Station, sources added.