A key commander of the banned Manipuri insurgent group, Kangleipak Communist Party, has been arrested in Delhi, leading to a significant arms seizure and raising concerns about potential insurgent activity in the capital.
Key Points
- Haobijam Dilip Singh, a key commander of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party, has been arrested in Delhi.
- The joint operation was conducted by Delhi Police, Manipur Police, and central agencies.
- The arrest led to the seizure of a large cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives in Manipur's Kakching district.
- Haobijam was wanted in connection with more than a dozen cases registered under the UAPA.
- Authorities are investigating whether Delhi was a target for the insurgent group.
In a joint operation, security forces have arrested Haobijam Dilip Singh, a key commander of the banned Manipuri insurgent outfit Kangleipak Communist Party, in Delhi, officials said on Thursday.
The operation was conducted by the Special Cell of Delhi Police, Manipur Police and Central agencies.
Arms and Ammunition Seized
Based on his interrogation, security forces carried out a recovery operation in Manipur's Kakching district, leading to the seizure of a large cache of arms, ammunition and explosives, the officials said.
Haobijam, believed to be a key member of the proscribed outfit, was wanted in more than a dozen cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), they said.
Investigation into Insurgent Activities
According to the officials, Haobijam came to Delhi for a "secret meeting", prompting central agencies to probe whether the national capital was also on the radar of the insurgent group.
Investigators are examining his movements, contacts and the purpose of his visit to Delhi, sources said.
Further details about Haobijam's arrest are awaited.
Details of the Seized Weapons
Among the weapons seized in Kakching were an AK-56 rifle, an Amogh rifle, an AI rifle and an M4 rifle fitted with a scope. Several empty magazines of INSAS, AK, SLR, M4 and light machine gun (LMG) rifles were also seized, they said.
The security forces also recovered 51 high-explosive bombs, two para bombs, 11 detonators and four lethod shells during the operation.
The officials said nearly 2,000 live cartridges of different calibres, including Amogh, INSAS, AK, .303 and SLR ammunition, were also seized from the site.
Apart from arms and explosives, security forces recovered bags of different colours, a tarpaulin sheet, plastic bags and a Redmi 13C mobile phone fitted with Airtel and Jio SIM cards, they said.
Potential for Large-Scale Violence
Officials suspect that the seized weapons and explosives could have been meant for large-scale violent activities in Manipur and elsewhere.
The central agencies are now investigating whether there was any larger conspiracy involving Delhi or any other metropolitan cities, sources said.
