Manipur: Armed Individual Killed, Six Apprehended in Thoubal Encounter: Cache of Weapons Recovered

THOUBAL: An armed individual was killed, and six others were apprehended during an encounter between Thoubal District Commandos and suspected militants this morning. The clash occurred around 9:45 AM near Salungpham High School in Salungpham Maning Leikai, Salungpham Thongkhong, in Thoubal district.

According to police sources, the operation began when commandos pursued two vehicles—a Maruti Astar and a Maruti Alto—on suspicion. The occupants, believed to be members of an armed group, opened fire on the police, prompting a retaliatory exchange of gunfire.

Seven individuals were apprehended during the encounter. Among them, Laishram Prem, alias Loktak Singh (24), son of the late L. Romen from Thoubal Khunou, sustained injuries and was rushed to Raj Medicity, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The six others arrested have been identified as Thokchom Momocha, alias Sunny, son of Th. Achouba Singh from Heirok Part II Mayai Leikai; Sarangthem Anand Singh, alias Malem, son of S. Shyam Singh from Kakching Khunou Tampakmayum Lai Leikai; Ningthoujam Karna Singh, alias Pishak, son of N. Ukil Singh from Samaram Mapi Leikai Maning Laibung; Ningthoujam Manoranjan Singh, alias Khagemba, son of N. Singhajit Singh from Thinungei Kha Leikai; Thongam Phalguni, alias Urikpa, alias Khoithoi, son of the late Th. Deban Singh from Lamphel Sanakeithel; and Leiba Moirangthem Johnson, alias Thouna, son of M. Kumar Singh from Lamphel Kombirei, currently residing at Khuyathong Polem Leikai Machin.

Authorities recovered a substantial cache of arms, ammunition, and electronic devices during the operation. The seized items include one INSAS Rifle (5.56 mm), one Amogh Rifle (5.56 mm), one .303 Rifle, one SLR Rifle (7.62 mm), another INSAS Folding Rifle (5.56 mm), an additional INSAS Rifle (5.56 mm), one Amogh Rifle magazine with 27 live rounds, four INSAS magazines with 46 live rounds, two SLR magazines with 25 live rounds, and one .303 Rifle magazine containing 37 live rounds.

Police sources revealed that the group was involved in insurgent activities. An investigation is currently underway to gather more details about their operations and affiliations.

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