Imphal: A significant breakthrough in the fight against insurgency in Manipur unfolded as state police and security forces successfully apprehended ten active militants belonging to various proscribed organizations during a series of coordinated operations conducted between April 17 and 19. The extensive crackdown, which spanned multiple districts across the state, not only resulted in the arrests but also led to the recovery of crucial tactical equipment, mobile communication devices, a substantial amount of cash, important identification documents, and vehicles directly implicated in extortion activities.
The operation culminated on April 19 with the arrest of two active operatives of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF – Pambei) faction. Yumnam Naocha Singh, 24, and Heikrujam Bidyachandra Singh, 28, were apprehended by security forces at Napetpalli Andro Road in the Imphal East district. According to police reports, the arrested individuals were actively involved in extorting money from every vehicle traversing the route, illicitly raising funds for their proscribed organization. During the arrest, authorities confiscated two mobile phones, sling bags, a wallet containing Rs 3,630 in cash, and an identity card from their possession.
Prior to this, on April 18, security forces launched a major offensive that swept across the districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, and Kakching, leading to the successful apprehension of multiple cadres belonging to various banned militant outfits. In Imphal East, Takhellambam Yaiphaba Meitei, 26, an active member of the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), was arrested at the tri-junction of Sanjenbam Shangshabi village. A mobile phone and his Aadhaar card were seized from him during the operation.
Further operations on the same day in Imphal West resulted in the arrest of two operatives of the Kangleipak Communist Party (Marxist-Leninist) [KCP (MFL)]. Kangabam Rohit Singh, 30, and Oinam Bobby Meitei, 38, were apprehended from Salam Mamang Leikai, which falls under the jurisdiction of Patsoi Police Station. These individuals were allegedly deeply involved in extortion activities. Law enforcement officials recovered three mobile phones, a wallet containing an Aadhaar card, Rs 7,810 in cash, and two two-wheeler vehicles from their possession.
Continuing their successful operations on April 18, Manipur Police apprehended Ningthoujam Sanathoi Singh, 26, an active cadre of the United People’s Party of Kangleipak (UPPK), from Yourabung Khunou in Imphal East. He was reportedly engaged in extorting money from local shops and residents in the area. The items seized from him included a mobile handset, his Aadhaar card, a significant cache of 109 empty bullet casings of various calibers, a camouflage helmet, a tactical waist belt, knee guards, a pistol holster, camouflage clothing, and a pair of boots.
The crackdown continued with the arrest of Khaidem Dhanabir Meitei, 25, an active cadre of the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), who was apprehended from Lamlai Makha Leikai in Imphal East. Authorities recovered a mobile phone and his Aadhaar card from his possession. Another operative, Thangjam Henary Meitei, 31, belonging to the PREPAK (Progressive), was arrested near the KYPC Community Hall in Kyamgei Heibong Makhong. Police reports indicate his involvement in the illicit collection of money from the general public.
In the Bishnupur district, Khwairakpam Amarjit Singh, 27, an active member of the Kangleipak Communist Party (Taibanganba) [KCP (Taibanganba)], was apprehended from Ningthoukhong Ward No. 13. A mobile phone was recovered from his possession during the operation. Earlier in the operation, on April 17, a joint team of security forces successfully arrested Soibam Boynao Meitei, 43, an active cadre of the Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) [KCP (PWG)], from Wangoo Lamkhai in the Kakching district. Two mobile phones were seized during this initial operation.
In a parallel special drive conducted on April 18, the Manipur police achieved another significant success by recovering 14 four-wheeler vehicles that had been previously reported as stolen or snatched by anti-social elements. This operation was a crucial part of the broader effort to effectively curb the escalating incidents of vehicle thefts and extortion-related crimes that have been plaguing the state. Authorities have firmly stated that these sustained and coordinated operations underscore the unwavering commitment of the security forces to systematically dismantle the intricate networks of insurgent groups operating in Manipur and to restore a sense of security and public confidence in law enforcement agencies across the state.
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