India, Feb. 24 -- Security forces arrested two alleged cattle smugglers and rescued 24 Ibex-wild mountain goats, illegally transported from Myanmar into Manipur through Tengnoupal district.

Acting on intelligence about cross-border smuggling, central security forces and Manipur police maintained heightened vigilance along the porous border areas of Tengnoupal district. During a special operation, a vehicle (MN-02B-8290) transporting the exotic species toward Pallel in Kakching district was intercepted, leading to the arrest of two individuals and seizure of the vehicle.

The accused have been identified as Md Kalim (35) of Mayai Leikai, Kakching district, and Md Sabir Khan (19) of Phundrei, Thoubal district. The arrested persons, along w...