Two main accused in the killing of Moreh SDPO Ch Anand, namely Phillips Khongsai and Hemlal Mate were apprehended by a team of Manipur Police commando from Moreh around 5.40 pm on Monday.
After they were arrested, Kukis residing in Moreh stormed Moreh Police station and the commando complex opposite to the police station by pelting stones demanding the release of the two without any condition, as per sources. Police and Assam rifles fired shots in the air to disperse the agitators and a Kuki woman got injured by falling down among the mob.
Sources added that the commando team arrested the two main accused from near the ADC office in Moreh Chikkim village. Interrogation is underway at the custody of Assam Rifles and Manipur Police commando by a team, including Tengnoupal SP, as per sources.
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Kuki villagers of Moreh warned the government of intensifying their agitation if Phillips Khongsai and Hemlal Mate are not released without any condition at the earliest. They have started to protest in several areas of Moreh, targeting the areas where security forces are stationed demanding unconditional release of the two, source said.
As per reliable source, armed Kuki militants are on strict vigil around the hill ranges of Moreh following the arrest and there is a high chance of a gunfight eruption anytime.
It may be recalled that a Sub Division Police Officer (SDPO) of Moreh Police Station Chingtham Anandkumar, was shot dead by Kuki militants along the Indo-Myanmar border town of Moreh around 9.30 am on October 31, 2023.
SDPO Anandkumar was shot in the stomach, suspected to be from a sniper rifle while he was supervising the cleaning of Eastern Shine Ground for helicopter landing at Moreh Ward Number 7 under Moreh Police Station. He was rushed to Moreh Primary Health Centre, where he succumbed to his injuries around 10 am.
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Soon after the killing of the SDPO, a major offensive began with the reinforcement of state forces along with central forces.
Since then, Moreh and its surrounding areas had become a battleground between Kuki militants and security forces. More than 12 personnel had been injured in the skirmishes.
On the other hand, several Kuki CSOs had been demanding the removal of state forces from Moreh.
Meanwhile, the Police Control Room, Manipur Police stated that one pistol along with two live rounds, one Chinese hand grenade, ten live rounds of AK ammunition, Ten detonators with fuse were seized from the possession of Phillips Khongsai and Hemlal Mate.
A release stated that the situation in the State was tense but under control during the last 24 hours. Search operations and area domination were conducted by security forces in the fringe and vulnerable areas of Imphal West, Imphal East and Tengnoupal districts, stated a release.
On Monday, Manipur Police arrested two members of PREPAK VC organization for extortion from various shops from Imphal West. From their possession, one mobile handset, two wallets and two Aadhaar card and one voter ID were seized. A case has been registered for investigation, it stated.
In another case, Manipur Police arrested two members of PREPAK (PRO) for extortion of money from the general public, shopkeepers from Imphal West District.
From their possession, a .32 pistol along with one magazine with 4 live rounds, cash of Rs 22,000 two cards written as ‘PREPAK (Progressive), finance committee- 1 SAIMON were seized. A case has been registered for investigation, it mentioned.
Movement of 180 and 137 vehicles along NH-37 and NH-2 respectively with essential items have been ensured. Strict security measures are taken up in all vulnerable locations and security convoy is provided in sensitive stretches in order to ensure free and safe movement of the vehicles, it stated.
A total of 132 Nakas/Checkpoints were installed in different Districts of Manipur, both in the hill and the valley and Police detained 230 persons in connection with violations in different districts of the State, it added.
