Manipur: Two arrested with explosives and cash near Mizoram border, security tightened

Imphal: Ahead of the 77th Republic Day celebrations, security has been heightened in sensitive areas after a large quantity of explosives was recovered from the Jiribam-Tipaimukh road in Manipur’s Pherzawl district.
Pherzawl, one of the least developed districts of Manipur, shares its borders with Mizoram and Assam to the west and Myanmar to the south.
Officials said on Saturday that two alleged arms smugglers were arrested along with a vehicle during an operation on Thursday.
A joint team of Assam Rifles and Manipur Police intensified security measures ahead of the Republic Day celebrations and intercepted a Bolero vehicle during the operation.
The operation resulted in the recovery of 30 gelatin sticks, 20 detonators, safety fuses, flexible wires, and approximately Rs 1 lakh in cash. The Bolero vehicle used to transport the items was also seized.
The report stated that the two alleged arms smugglers were taken into custody by the Assam Rifles. It also said that the arrested individuals, along with the seized items, have been handed over to the concerned police station for further legal action.
The identities of the arrested individuals have been kept confidential for security reasons. The report further stated that an investigation is underway to ascertain the source and destination of the explosives and to identify potential links to a larger network operating along the Manipur-Myanmar border.