Guwahati: Security forces in Manipur have arrested 24 cadres of banned outfits in intensified operations along the India-Myanmar border and valley districts, even as fresh incidents of firing and mob violence shook Ukhrul and Kamjong, leaving villagers injured and communities on edge.On Tuesday, police said 10 cadres of the banned PREPAK (RA) were arrested near the India-Myanmar border pillars 77-82 under Moreh police station in Tengnoupal district. Among those apprehended were five minors, who are being dealt with under the Juvenile Justice Act.In a separate crackdown, 14 cadres of the United National Liberation Front (Koireng) were arrested from Thoubal district’s Haokhong area on Sunday. Security forces seized two INSAS rifles, 13 magazines, 100 cartridges, Rs 1 lakh in cash, and helmets from their possession.Meanwhile, fresh violence flared in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts on Tuesday. Two men from Sharkaphung village in Kamjong, both belonging to the Tangkhul Naga community, sustained bullet injuries after suspected militants opened fire from nearby Mongkot Chepu.The two villages are located close to Litan Sareikhong in Ukhrul district, where clashes between Kuki and Tangkhul Naga communities broke out in Feb, in which more than 30 houses were torched.On Monday, a woman from Mongkot Chepu village, a Kuki habitation, was injured in firing while working in the fields. She was shifted to Kangpokpi district and is reported to be out of danger.Community organisations have voiced alarm. The Tangkhul Naga Foothills Organisation accused Kuki militants under the suspension of operations (SoO) agreement of involvement and demanded immediate deployment of state forces in Sharkaphung and Thoyee. The Kuki CSO working committee, Ukhrul, condemned the firing on villagers engaged in routine agricultural work.
