Imphal: The Indian army on Friday arrested one hardcore NSCN (IM) cadre and seized a huge cache of arms and ammunition, warlike stores and other incriminating documents from Noney district in Manipur.

Brigadier Ravroop Singh of the 57 Mountain Division of the Indian Army said the operation by army commenced on the night of July 5 and search started from the next morning at Kekru Naga village in Noney district following report of the presence of some armed cadres in Manipur belonging to the militant organisation.

Sensing the Indian Army forces, the armed cadres of the outfit fled the area after hiding their weapons and warlike stores at multiple locations in the periphery of the village, nearby jungle and the Jhum huts, official sources said.

One armed cadre of NSCN (IM) self-styled Private Thailik Panmei was apprehended while four rifles, two grenade launchers and large quantities of ammunition and other warlike stores besides incriminating documents, diaries and other administrative stores of NSCN (IM) were seized during the operation which was concluded on July 9.

The Army has accused the NSCN (IM) of continuously been violating the laid down Ground Rules of the ceasefire agreement.

Singh said that the cadres are involved in setting up of new camps, fresh recruitments, extortion and tax collection specifically along NH-2 and NH-37 impacting infrastructure projects like railway lines, road construction, etc are all indicative “to undermine the peace process”.

The security forces, Singh said, are aware of these tactics and would continue to carry out relentless operations to provide security to the local population of Manipur and other Northeastern states.

The Army Commander, Lieutenant General MM Naravane, has complimented all troops of Spear Corps for executing such a surgical and professional operation, he said.

On the other hand, NSCN(IM) is yet to react to the army version.