The arrested individual, identified as Haobijam Dilip Singh, was allegedly associated with several activities linked to the proscribed Manipuri outfit and was wanted in more than 12 cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Following his interrogation, security forces launched a search operation in Manipur's Kakching district, where they recovered a huge cache of weapons, ammunition and explosive materials.

Officials said the seized arms included an AK-56 rifle, an Amogh rifle, an AI rifle and an M4 rifle equipped with a scope.

Empty magazines belonging to INSAS, AK-series, SLR, M4 and light machine guns were also found during the raid.

Security personnel further recovered 51 high-explosive bombs, two para bombs, 11 detonators and four lethod shells from the site.

Nearly 2,000 live rounds of ammunition of various calibres, including INSAS, AK, Amogh, .303 and SLR cartridges, were also seized, officials added, a report stated.

Apart from weapons and explosives, the recovered items included tarpaulin sheets, coloured bags, plastic sacks and a Redmi 13C mobile handset carrying Airtel and Jio SIM cards.

Investigators suspect the arms and explosives may have been intended for major violent operations in Manipur and possibly other locations.

According to sources, Haobijam had reportedly travelled to Delhi for a clandestine meeting, raising concerns among agencies about whether the insurgent network was attempting to expand its activities beyond the Northeast.

Officials said agencies are currently examining his links, movements and contacts in the national capital, while further details regarding the arrest and possible wider conspiracy are still under investigation.