Imphal : Manipur police said that 5 persons attired in camouflage uniforms masquerading as special commandos of the state forces were arrested under the arms act indulging in ruthless extortion campaigns at different locations in the ongoing communal clashes.

Talking to newsmen at the Manipur police headquarters, Imphal on Tuesday, the Additional Secretary Home, M Pradip said that police recovered a total of 5 weapons and ammunition – 1 INSAS rifle with 4 magazines and 78 rounds, 1 SLR with 3 magazines and 50 rounds, 2 numbers of 303 rifles with a magazine and 5 rounds of ammunition and one Bolero after arresting them near the Meitei Mayek High School, Kongba in Imphal East district on September 16.

The arrested persons are Moirangthem Anand Singh, 45, who was a drug user, former PLA and joined KCP (Noyon) detained under NSA, Athokpam Kajit alias Kishorjit, 39, drug addict, Loukrakpam Michael Mangangcha, 30, Konthoujam Romojit Meitei, 28, and Kaisham Johnson, 35. They are in judicial custody for 9 days for further interrogation.

In the meantime, several organizations called a 48-hour statewide band since midnight of Monday demanding the unconditional release of these 5 persons. They are the Village Defense Volunteers who are protesting the integrity of the state in the ongoing communal clash that started on May 3.

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