The army has recovered a large cache of arms and ammunitions, allegedly belonging to the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) from Tamenglong district of Manipur.

The cache included four rifles, two grenade launchers, large quantities of ammunition, incriminating documents, diaries and other administrative stores of the NSCN (I-M).

Commander, 59 Mountain Division, Brig. Ravroop Singh, told reporters here on Friday that regular intelligence inputs were being received over a prolonged period of time, regarding the presence of some militants belonging to the NSCN (I-M) in the remote jungles along National Highway 37 in Noney and Tamenglong districts of West Manipur.

The civilians of Nungba subdivision, Todaijang, Kekru Naga, Muktina and Mukti Khullen had reported the regular presence of some armed cadres belonging to the NSCN (I-M) who were harassing people and extorting them, he added.

“Their activities in these areas were confirmed by our ground sources and by intelligence agencies. It emerged that these cadres were ruthlessly carrying out extensive illegal extortion from villagers, local businessmen, vehicles plying along National Highway 37 and various contractors engaged in infrastructure projects of the Indian Railways and National Housing Development Corporation Ltd,” the army commander said. Once confirmed inputs were received regarding the presence of eight to 10 armed cadres of the NSCN (I-M) in Kekru Naga, a small village approximately 8km south of Nungba town, an operation by the army commenced on the night of July 5 and extensive search of the area was carried out from July 6 morning onwards, he added.

The armed cadres fled the area after hiding their weapons at multiple locations in the periphery of village and nearby jungle.

One armed cadre of the NSCN (I-M), identified as Thailik Panmei, was apprehended during the operations while he was trying to meld with the local population.

The ceasefire ground rules lay down the basic framework under which both government agencies and the NSCN (I-M) are required to operate.

However, NSCN (I-M) has continuously been violating the ground rules. The attempts to set up new camps, fresh recruitments, extortion and tax collection specifically along National Highways 2 and 37 impacting infrastructure projects like railway lines and road construction are all indicative of their effort to undermine the peace process, the commander added.

“This approach by the NSCN (I-M) is clearly indicative of their insincerity in implementation of the ceasefire ground rules. The security forces are aware of these tactics and will continue to carry out relentless operations to provide security to the local population,” he said.

The army commander, Lt Gen. M.M. Naravane, has complimented all troops of the Spear Corps on the surgical and professional operation, he added.