Ukhrul police recover most of looted weapons

UKHRUL, Oct 5: After intensive search operations all over the place, Ukhrul police have recovered most of the arms looted by mobs a couple of days ago.
The weapons were looted from Ukhrul police station by mobs after a deadly clash broke out between villagers of Hunpung and Ukhrul/Hunphun over a land dispute on October 2.
The looted weapons included two Carbines, six INSAS Rifles, eight 9mm Pistols, 3 AK Rifles, one SLR and ammunition.
The clash was triggered by a planned Swachhata Hi Seva campaign organised by the Thawaijao Hungpung Young Students' Organization (THYSO) at the disputed place called Thingrasa.
The clash involving exchange of fire of over 3 hours killed 3 and injured at least 40 persons.
One of the injured persons succumbed in a hospital in Imphal the following day taking the death toll to 4.
Meanwhile, IGP IK Muivah briefed the Ukhrul media and stated that the district police have recovered 80% of the looted weapons.
The recovered weapons were displayed in the presence of DIG Worngam Ningshen, DC Ukhrul Zuringla Kengoo, DIG 10 Sector Sandeep Singh, Ukhrul SP Kartik Malathi, Kamjong SP Ningshem Vashum, Ukhrul headman HA Khayaiwo and members of CSOs at the Ukhrul police station.
IGP IK Muivah said intense search operations will continue until all weapons are recovered.
The top cop said DIG Worngam Ningshen and SP Ningshem Vashum have been deputed to Ukhrul to assist the district administration in restoring law and order along with the Border Security Force and the Assam Rifles.
He said adequate security forces have been deployed in the district Headquarters in order to stop a direct confrontation between the Ukhrul/Hunphun and Hungpung village.
He sought co-operation from the public in bringing peace to the town.
IK Muivah thanked civil society organisations and local leaders and acknowledged cooperation extended by them in locating and recovering the looted arms.
He thanked headman of Hunphun, chairman of Hunphun Executive Council and his colleagues, HKL president, Hunphun Shanao Long and individuals including Somatai Shaiza, Khayui Raleng, Yaolui Zingkhai, Soso Shaiza, Agnes Shaiza, Zaklei Kaping Pastor PBC and Commander, 10 Sector Assam Rifles.