Imphal, Febuary 17: Troops of 42 Assam Rifles of 26 sector under HQ IGAR(South) have arrested six hardcore cadres of Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) inclucing its Commander-in-Chief and seized huge haul of arms and ammunition and two vehicles during frisking and checking yesterday. The troops of the same battalion AR have also arrested an active cadre of Prepak.

Disclosing the huge catch, a press release issued by the PRO, HQ IG AR (S), informed that discovering the movements of UG's cadres with warlike stores, troops of 42 AR established multiple ambushes and mobile vehicle check post along NH-39 and Old Burma Road near village Saivom yesterday.

The troops noticed a Maruti van bearing Regn No.MN-01 W 4277 followed by a Hyundai Getz Regn No. MN-01K 9235 coming from Moreh toward Imphal. The troops stopped and detained both the vehicles and carried out search and spot interrogation of the occupants.
Their interrogation led to identification of the occupants of the two vehicles as important leaders and cadres of the KLA, it is understood.
The arrested cadres have been identified as Commander-in-Chief of KLA, S/S Brig JK Kuki @ Stephen (40) (army No. 477), son of Thanglhun of Churachandpur, Town commander of Ccpur of KNA, S/S Sgt Thangmang (32) (Army No. 1453), S/S Lance Corporal Paocha @ Mani (25), son of Lunkam of Jangnophai, CC Pur, Mrs Lhingboi Touthang (40), wife of SS Brig J K Kuki and Mrs Lhingboi Haokip (30), wife of SS Sgt Thangmang.

The press release clamied that on sustained interrogation, the arrested persons confessed that they are active cadres of various SoO militant groups and actively involved in gun running/smuggling activities with active support from various valley based insurgent groups.

Detailed search of the vehicles resulted in recovery of seven AK-57 Rifles, two M-16 Rifles, one 9mm pistol, eight magazines of AK-56, one magazine of 9 mm pistol, two M-16 magazines, 412 7.62mm rounds, nine 9 mm rounds, one telescopic sight, two Muzzle flash hider, four pairs of combat dress, one Maruti Omni and one Hyundai Getz. The apprehendees along with the recovered items have been handed over to Imphal West Police Station, the press release stated.
In yet another incident, troops of 42 Assam Rifles launched operation in general area Bijoypur. At around 10.30 pm on 16 Feb 10, own troops observed some suspicious movement. On being challenged, suspect started to flee and own party over powered him. On spot questioning, the individual was found to be an active cadre of PREPAK(GS) having received training in July 2005 at PREPAK training Camp at Mintha for 45 days. The apprehendee was identified as No.20582 (Training batch No.20, Str-20) SS L/Cpl Manaobi @ Lamtakpa (22), son of S Mani Singh of Wabagai Tesai, Thoubal. The apprehendee was handed over to Kakching Police station today, the press release further informed.

Hueiyen News Service