In a significant breakthrough, a Kuki militant from Manipur was apprehended in Guwahati's Sonapur on Friday, sources said.
According to information received, the militant was nabbed during search operations launched by the Special Task Force (STF), Assam. Acting on a tip-off, the STF successfully intercepted a vehicle this morning at Sonapur Toll Gate on NH 27. The intelligence suggested that a Manipur-based banned organization was attempting to procure equipment potentially for sabotage activities.
The operation began with reliable input about the unauthorized transportation of drones and related equipment. The vehicle, bearing registration number AS 01 FU 3927, was tracked from Sixmile area and subsequently stopped.
Upon inspection, the STF team apprehended one youth from Manipur, identified as Khaigoulen Kipgen (27 years), sources said. He was a residence of Manipur’s Kangpokpi district. He was traveling to Guwahati along with two minors.
10 TB30 Intelligent Flight Batteries suspected to be used in drones, cash amounting to Rs. 3,40,000, four pairs of shoes and a mobile handset was recovered from his possession.
The confiscation of these items, particularly the drone batteries, underscores the clandestine efforts by certain banned organizations in Manipur to procure drones for illicit activities.
Meanwhile, the police have also been able to identify other people involved with the militant in Guwahati. He frequently visited the city and meet them, sources said.
The STF is conducting necessary formalities and further investigations are underway.
