Prime Accused in 19th September Ambush on Assam Rifles Apprehended

IMPHAL: In a major breakthrough, security forces apprehended the prime accused in the 19th September ambush on Assam Rifles personnel at Sabal Leikai, Nambol, Bishnupur district. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint team of Imphal West District Police, Bishnupur Police, 33 Assam Rifles, and other security agencies launched a special operation in the Kameng area of Imphal West at around 1:00 am today.

During the operation, one Khomdram Ojit Singh alias Keilal (47), son of late Kh. Mani Singh of Awang Leikinthabi Awang Leikai, Imphal West, was apprehended. On questioning, he admitted to being a bailed-out member of the proscribed PLA outfit and revealed that he continues to work for the group. He was previously arrested in 2007.

Further interrogation established his direct involvement in the 19th September ambush, where Assam Rifles personnel were attacked. Singh disclosed that after the assault, he and his associates fled towards Loktak Lake and concealed their weapons at a secret location.

Based on his revelation, the following arms and ammunition used in the ambush were recovered:

One A4 rifle with 4 magazines

One HK rifle with 2 magazines

Two AK rifles with 5 magazines

One INSAS rifle with 3 magazines

Three lathode shells

170 rounds of AK ammunition

216 rounds of M-16 ammunition

67 rounds of INSAS ammunition

One mobile handset, one wallet, and an Aadhaar card

Authorities confirmed that further examination of the arrested militant is ongoing and that certain leads have already been developed. Raids are being carried out to nab other suspects involved in the ambush.