Ukhrul, September 24: The Manipur Police have arrested the prime accused in the September 19 ambush on Assam Rifles personnel at Sabal Leikai, Nambol, Bishnupur district.
Police said a joint team of Imphal West and Bishnupur district police, 33 Assam Rifles and other security forces launched an operation around 1 AM on Wednesday in Kameng area of Imphal West, acting on specific intelligence inputs.
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During the operation, the team apprehended Khundongbam Ojit Singh alias Keilal, 47, son of late Kh. Mani Singh of Awang Leikinthabi Awang Leikai, Imphal West. On questioning, Singh admitted to being a member of the proscribed People’s Liberation Army (PLA). He was earlier arrested in 2007 and is currently on bail, police said.
Investigators added that Singh confessed to his involvement in the September 19 ambush, where Assam Rifles personnel came under fire. He told police that he and his accomplices fled towards Loktak lake after the attack and concealed their weapons at a secret location.
Based on his disclosure, security forces recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition, including an A4 rifle, an HK rifle, two AK rifles, an INSAS rifle, several magazines, lathode shells, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. A mobile phone, wallet and Aadhaar card were also seized.
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Police said further interrogation is underway and raids are continuing to track down others involved in the ambush.