Imphal: Security forces have arrested two individuals in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district for allegedly smuggling 24 wild mountain goats, commonly known as Ibex, from Myanmar, police said on Tuesday.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint team of security personnel intercepted a four-wheeler at Tengnoupal town. Upon searching the vehicle, they recovered 24 ibex — a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act — concealed inside, according to a police statement.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the animals were smuggled across the border from Myanmar and were being transported to Pallel in Manipur.
The driver of the vehicle and another occupant involved in the smuggling operation were taken into custody at the spot. The duo, identified as Md Kalim and Md Sabir Khan, are residents of Thoubal and Kakching districts.
The arrested persons, along with the seized wild mountain goats and the vehicle, have been handed over to the Forest Department. Further investigation is underway.
In a separate operation on Monday, Manipur police apprehended an active cadre of the KCP (MFL) from Lamlai Mamang Leikai Samu Lambel under Lamlai Police Station in Imphal East district, officials said.
The arrested militant has been identified as Khaidem Joychandra Meitei alias Inaocha (55), a resident of Lamlai Mayai Leikai in Imphal East district.
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During the operation, security personnel recovered 50 rounds of 7.62×39 mm live AK ammunition from his possession. The accused has been taken into custody and further investigation is underway, police added.
