India, Jan. 26 -- Security forces foiled a plot to cause bloodshed in Manipur's Imphal East ahead of the 77th Republic Day, arresting two insurgents and an extortionist, officials said on Monday.

An improvised explosive device (IED) was found near Hundred Flowers School on Pangei Road under Heingang police station on Sunday night.

The Manipur police disposal squad safely removed the IED in a nearby paddy field around 4 pm, and a hand grenade was defused with assistance from the bomb disposal squad (CID-Tech). A case has been registered in connection with the explosives.

During the operation, security forces arrested Yumnam Brojen Singh, also known as Kunjo (54), a People's Liberation Army cadre from Mayang Imphal, Imphal West. His youn...