Imphal: In a series of coordinated operations across Manipur, security forces have apprehended eight militants belonging to various banned underground outfits in the past few days. The arrests, made in different districts, are connected to alleged involvement in extortion, criminal activities, and an old explosion case.
On Sunday, police reported the arrest of nine militants, including a juvenile, over the preceding 48 hours. These individuals were operating in different parts of Manipur.
Among those apprehended are members of the People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), the Revolutionary People's Front/People's Liberation Army (RPF/PLA), and factions of the Kangleipak Communist Party [KCP (PWG) and KCP (Ibungo Ngangom)].
Specifically, two active PREPAK cadres were taken into custody from Imphal West and Bishnupur districts. They have been identified as Pebam Nikesh and Oinam Maipak Meitei. In separate operations, joint security forces arrested two active RPF/PLA cadres, Vishal Achom and Maibam Rocky, both from Imphal West district.
In other arrests, Urikhibam Malemnganba Meitei, an active cadre of KCP (PWG), was apprehended from his residence in Imphal West district.
Earlier in the week, security forces had arrested four militants from banned groups including PREPAK, Kangleipak Communist Party, and KYKL. These arrests occurred during operations in Thoubal, Imphal East, and West districts. Arms, including hand grenades, were seized during these operations.
Also, a woman cadre of the PLA, Ningthoujam Anita Devi, was arrested from Imphal West district. Investigations suggest her involvement in recruiting a girl from Jiribam district into the militant outfit. Wahengbam Kiran Singh, a cadre of the Kangleipak Communist Party (City Meitei), was nabbed from Imphal East district.
In a separate incident, security forces seized a cache of arms and ammunition during an operation in the Ngairangbam Maning Loukon area in Imphal West district. The seized items included a modified .303 rifle, two country-made single-barrel guns, a pistol, two hand grenades, and cartridges.
These arrests and seizures are part of ongoing intelligence-based combing, cordon, and search operations aimed at curbing extortion and criminal activities in Manipur.
