Imphal: Security forces in Manipur have delivered a significant blow to the state’s criminal underworld, arresting eight active cadres of several banned militant outfits in a series of coordinated operations over two days. The arrests, spanning the Imphal Valley and Thoubal regions, have disrupted a widespread network of extortion, abductions, and intimidation that has plagued the local population and businesses.
On August 19, proactive operations led to the apprehension of three key operatives. Jiten Sana RK @ Nanao and Jimson Aheibam, both associated with the proscribed KYKL, were nabbed for their alleged involvement in extorting money from local spas, shops, and the general public. Their arrests near Minuthong and Awangkhunou, respectively, brought a sense of relief to a community weary of constant threats. The same day saw the arrest of Khoinaijam Robertson Singh @ Khelemba of KCP (MFL), a cadre notorious for abductions and intimidating parties in civil disputes, including sensitive cases of crimes against women and loan recoveries. His capture from Taothong Khunou under Lamsang Police Station is seen as a major success in curbing his criminal reign.
The crackdown continued with equal vigour on August 20 in Thoubal district, where security forces apprehended three active members of RPF/PLA. The trio—Angom Premjit Singh @ Manaothoi, Ningthoujam Urirei Devi, and Lourembam Madona Devi @ Moli—were caught red-handed while allegedly extorting money from government schools, colleges, and business operators. A significant haul of evidence was seized from their possession, including a Maruti Suzuki Swift, multiple mobile phones, and a crucial notebook detailing a list of targeted schools in the Thoubal Block, effectively unravelling their illicit operations.
In a final swoop on the same day, security personnel arrested Sarangthem Suresh Singh @ Chinglen @ Bungo, a young operative of PREPAK, from the Sawombung area. While a mobile phone was the only item recovered from him, his arrest adds to the collective success of the forces in dismantling the valley’s entrenched network of criminal syndicates. The consecutive arrests mark a period of renewed focus and determination by the security forces to restore peace and order in the region.
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