Imphal: In a significant push against burgeoning extortion rackets and unlawful activities, joint security forces in Manipur have intensified their intelligence-based operations, leading to the apprehension of five insurgents and the recovery of a substantial cache of arms and equipment. These concerted efforts, spanning both vulnerable hill and valley regions, underscore the state’s resolve in rooting out anti-social elements.
A major breakthrough materialised on May 30 in the Gangpijang village area (BP-74) of Moreh Sub-Division, Tengnoupal District. Acting on credible intelligence inputs, security forces successfully apprehended five insurgents. The arrested individuals include three cadres from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) – Nepram Jiten (20) of Pallel Thongwangma, Arambam Malemnganba (32) of New Checkon, and Sanasam Henthoiba Singh (18) of Wangoo Parking. Additionally, two cadres of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), identified as Leitanthem Rikanda Meitei (24) of Huidrom Awang Leikai and Maibam Vishal Meitei (26) of Yaingangpokpi Awang Leikai, were also nabbed. A single mobile phone was recovered from their possession at the time of their arrest.
In a parallel operation conducted on the same day, security forces undertook extensive search and area domination exercises in the Dampi Hill forest area near H. Kotlian, falling under Churachandpur Police Station. This operation yielded a significant recovery of arms and equipment, shedding light on the continued presence of insurgent groups operating from these remote forested hideouts. The seized items include three country-made 12 Bore Single Barrel Shotguns, one Pumpi firearm, a smoke-generating candle device, one bulletproof jacket with plate, two helmets, and a radio set along with two chargers.
Earlier, on May 29, security personnel in a separate operation successfully apprehended a KCP (PWG) cadre, Sapam Dhanajit Singh (42), from the Yumnam Huidrom area under Wangoi Police Station in Imphal West District. He was allegedly involved in a series of extortion activities, targeting the civilian population in the valley region. A mobile phone with SIM card, a wallet containing ₹270, and identity documents including an Aadhaar card, voter ID, and PAN card were recovered from him.
Meanwhile, on May 30, Manipur Police also arrested Md. Zahir Khan Maraimayum (19), a resident of Lilong Haoreibi Loumanga, from the Lilong Turel Ahanbi area under Lilong Police Station in Thoubal District. His arrest is in connection with a case registered under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.