Imphal: The Manipur Police have apprehended five individuals who were involved in unauthorised stone quarrying operations at Lungthar village in Thoubal District.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Wairokpam Somorjit Meitei (28), Keisham Sumonanda Meitei (26), Haobam Naocha Singh (19), Md. Rami Khan (41), and Md. Abir Khan (35).
Several vehicles present at the site were also seized during the operation on Wednesday (April 2).
Police seized three Tata Dumper Hyva trucks and a JCB, thereby stopping the illegal extraction activities at the site.
https://twitter.com/manipur_police/status/1907562394076790854
According to local sources, illegal stone quarrying activities had been ongoing in the area for a significant period, causing detrimental environmental impacts.
The police are conducting further investigations into the matter and are actively pursuing the identification of other individuals involved in these illegal stone quarrying operations.
The Manipur government has reiterated its commitment to taking stringent measures against illegal mining activities.
On April 2, security forces conducted search operations and area domination exercises in the fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts in Manipur.
The operation, focused on Mollum village and its surrounding areas in Churachandpur District, resulted in the seizure of two Baofeng handheld radio sets and one bulletproof (BP) jacket with protective plates.
The operation was part of ongoing efforts to maintain security and stability in the region.
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In a separate operation, carbines, magazines, and live ammunition were seized from Khangabok Loukol in Thoubal district.
Security forces arrested three individuals, including two militants, during a series of operations launched across the state on April 2.
