PLA Insurgent Arrested For Ambush On Assam Rifles In Manipur, Raids Going On

Security Forces Capture Prime Suspect In Deadly Assam Rifles Ambush

A significant weapons cache was recovered during the operation.

Guwahati:

In a major breakthrough, security forces have apprehended the main suspect responsible for the September 19 ambush on Assam Rifles personnel in Nambol that resulted in two soldiers killed and five wounded. The arrest also yielded a substantial collection of weaponry.

The successful capture occurred early Tuesday through a carefully coordinated joint operation involving District Police Imphal West, Bishnupur Police, and the 33 Assam Rifles. Forces successfully detained Khundongbam Ojit Singh (47), known by the alias Keilal, who resides in Awang Leikinthabi Awang Leikai within Imphal West.

A Veteran Militant With Direct Involvement In The Attack

Singh has an established history with security agencies. Previously identified as a member of the outlawed People's Liberation Army (PLA), his militant activities led to an earlier arrest in 2007. During thorough questioning following his recent capture, Singh acknowledged his direct participation in the September 19 ambush at Sabal Leikai. He confirmed his ongoing affiliation with the banned organization and provided vital information about the attack, during which militants fired upon Assam Rifles troops before retreating toward the Loktak Lake region.

Weapons Seizure Disrupts Future Attack Plans

Based on Singh's information, the joint team conducted a subsequent search operation, discovering a dangerous weapons stockpile. The recovered items include:

Four high-powered rifles: 1 A4 rifle, 1 HK rifle, and 2 AK-series rifles.

An INSAS rifle typically used by security forces, suggesting potential theft from official sources.

A total of 14 magazines compatible with various rifles.

Substantial ammunition reserves: 170 rounds of AK ammunition, 216 rounds of M16 ammunition, and 67 rounds of INSAS ammunition.

Three lathode shells.

Personal belongings including a mobile phone, wallet, and Aadhaar card.

Continued Search For Accomplices

A high-ranking police official indicated that this arrest and weapons recovery have significantly advanced the investigation. "This was a precisely executed operation based on reliable intelligence. The prime suspect's confession has provided us with definitive leads. Multiple raids are currently underway to locate and arrest the other militants involved in the ambush," the official stated.

The September 19 attack, which took the lives of two Assam Rifles personnel and injured five others, created widespread concern throughout Bishnupur district and heightened security measures across Manipur. This effective operation highlights the benefits of synchronized efforts between various security forces in maintaining regional stability.