IMPHAL – Security forces in Manipur have delivered a significant blow to insurgent groups, apprehending four individuals from three different outfits in a series of calculated operations over the last two days. The arrests, a clear message of zero-tolerance, included a self-styled army chief and two cadres notorious for their extortion rackets targeting local civilians.
The most high-profile arrest came on July 31 when security personnel nabbed Moirangthem Biramani Meitei, who identifies himself as the ‘army chief’ of the KCP (Nongdrenkhomba) outfit. The 46-year-old was picked up from his hideout in a hut dweller settlement in the Phubala Patton area of Bishnupur district. Police recovered a mobile phone and a SIM card from the suspect, who is currently being questioned about his activities and network.
In a separate but equally important operation on the same day, Manipur Police took into custody Telem Naoba Singh, a 29-year-old active member of the PREPAK (PRO). Singh was apprehended from Khurai Chairenthong in Imphal East district. His mobile phone was seized, which is expected to provide crucial leads in the ongoing investigation.
The first breakthrough in this coordinated crackdown was on July 30, when security forces successfully apprehended two cadres of the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) in Thoubal district. Keisham Wilson Singh, 18, and Thokchom Sanathoi Meitei, 22, were arrested from the Salungpham Bazar area. The duo was caught red-handed for their involvement in a spree of extortion activities, a menace that has long plagued the local residents.
The arrest of the two young KYKL operatives proved to be particularly fruitful, as the forces recovered a cache of weapons and evidence, including a 9mm pistol with a magazine, a hand grenade, and three live rounds. The haul also included a substantial cash amount of Rs 5,000 and two mobile phones with SIM cards, all pointing to their active involvement in demanding money from civilians. All four suspects are currently in custody, with investigations underway to unearth their alleged activities and unmask any potential links to larger insurgent networks in the region.
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