IMPHAL, November 7: In an operation conducted based on specific inputs, troops of Jwalamukhi Battalion of Senapati Brigade under the aegis of Red Shield Division led to the arrested of suspected general secretary of Thadaou People Liberation Army (TPLA) on November 4, PIB (Defence Wing) Imphal press release said in a delayed report.
The apprehended person was identified as Lunminlen Haokip, son of Hegin Haokip of Keithelmanbi (Ward 5) in Senapati district. TPLA is a non Suspension of Operations (SoP) insurgent group active in Sadar hills.
Large quantities of war like stores including one 9 mm pistol, one magazine, five live rounds and IED making items were recovered, the release added.
During the questioning by Security Forces, Lunminlen Haokip confessed himself as an active cadre of TPLA and is holding the post of general secretary of the banned outfit. The arrested person also confessed as an IED expert and was involved in the past in spreading false propaganda against the Security Forces on behalf of TPLA in social media (WhatsApp and facebook) and electronic media. He also revealed that he along with other cadres of TPLA were involved in eight kidnapping cases including recent kidnapping of a truck driver at Keithelmanbi along NH-2 on October 26 this year. He along with one Paolen alias Rony and Johnnao were involved in lynching Lunkhoseh Kipgen of Keithelmanbi on September 17, 2016, and also threatened the family members of deceased individual not to report the case to police.
The statement stated that operation by the troops of Red Shield Division showcased the efforts of security forces towards bringing normalcy to the state. The cadre was later on handed over to Imphal Police Station for further investigation, it added.
