In a significant breakthrough, the Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police apprehended a 27-year-old resident of Manipur, Khaigoulen Kipgen, and seized a substantial amount of cash and high-end drone batteries from his vehicle. The operation was conducted at Sonapur Toll Gate on National Highway-27, near Guwahati, after receiving a tip-off about the unauthorized transportation of drones and related equipment.
Background and Context
The incident has significant implications in the context of the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, where surveillance drones are being increasingly used by armed militants for reconnaissance and coordination of their activities. The conflict has been a rise in the use of advanced technology, including drones, which has raised concerns about the potential escalation of militant operations.
The Arrest and Seizure
Khaigoulen Kipgen, a resident of Gamngai in Kangpokpi district, Manipur was traveling with two minors when his vehicle was intercepted by the STF. During the search, the team recovered a substantial amount of cash, totaling Rs. 3,40,000 four pairs of shoes, a mobile handset, and 10 TB30 Intelligent Flight Batteries suspected to be used in drones.
Significance of the Seizure
The confiscation of these items, particularly the drone batteries underscores the clandestine efforts by certain banned organizations in Manipur to procure drones for illicit activities. The STF emphasized that the seizure is a significant breakthrough in their efforts to curb illegal activities and maintain security in the region.
Investigation and Further Action
The STF is conducting necessary formalities, including a detailed inventory of the seized items and verification of the identities of those apprehended. Further investigations are underway to uncover the full extent of the activities planned by the banned organization and to identify any other individuals involved in the procurement and transportation of the equipment.
Connection to Manipur’s Ethnic Conflict
The incident is significant in the context of the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, where surveillance drones are being increasingly used by armed militants. The conflict has seen a rise in the use of advanced technology, including drones, which has raised concerns about the potential escalation of militant operations.
Coordination with Manipur Police
Sources said Manipur Police will their Assam counterpart in the investigation. They suspect Mr. Kipgen would have either gone to Kangpokpi or Jiribam. The season Mr. Kipgen took National Highway 27 was likely due to Saparmeina being landlocked between Imphal West and Senapati in Manipur, an official with direct knowledge of the matter told NDTV. The operatives tracking him suspected he would try to take interior roads from Zubza (in Nagaland) to emerge somewhere along the highway in Litan in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, the official said, requesting anonymity.
Conclusion
The arrest of Khaigoulen Kipgen and the seizure of high-end drone batteries and cash are significant steps in the ongoing efforts to curb illegal activities and maintain security in the region. The incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to prevent to misuse of advanced technology for illicit purposes.