In a significant move against insurgent activities, Manipur security forces and state police have apprehended twelve individuals affiliated with various proscribed organizations during a series of coordinated operations spanning Imphal East and Imphal West districts. The crackdown, executed on Saturday, April 26th, underscores the ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security in the region.
The initial operation in Wangkhei Thangapat Mapan, Imphal East, resulted in the arrest of four active cadres belonging to the banned United National Liberation Front (Pambei) along with one of their associates. These individuals, identified as Wangmayum Azizur Rahamna (52), Sheikh Wasim Raja (30), Md. Faruk Khan (19), and Phusham Ajmir (24), were allegedly involved in extortion rackets across the Imphal Valley. Authorities stated that the group was intimidating local residents and interfering in private matters for monetary gain. The associate, Khullakpam Ibosana (44), is accused of acting as a conduit between the UNLF(P) cadres and the targeted civilians in these illicit activities. The operation yielded the seizure of live ammunition, mobile phones, and a four-wheeled vehicle.
Further operations led to the apprehension of Takhellambam Meipaksana Singh (29), an active member of the PREPAK (Pro), near the Imphal City Sewage Treatment Plant. Singh, a resident of Imphal East, was found in possession of two mobile handsets and an Aadhaar Card. Investigations have linked him to the recent locking of a Gas Agency in Bamon Leikai, Imphal East. He reportedly confessed to operating under the command of a PREPAK (Pro) commander who himself reports to a higher-ranking operative, Sana, who was recently arrested and is currently in police custody.
In a separate sweep based on intelligence inputs, Manipur Police successfully detained six militants associated with different factions of the Kangleipak Communist Party (PWG) from various locations within Imphal East on the same day. Those apprehended include Md. Maneruddin (48) from Lilong Haoreibi Lou Manga, Thoubal; Md. Wajbir Ahamed (33) from Lilong Sambrukhong, Thoubal; Thongam Joynanda Singh (51) from Khongnangpheidekpi Aheibam Leikai, Imphal West; Laishram Suraj Singh (28) from Sawombung Junction, Imphal East; Ningthoujam Birjit Meitei (36) from Nongren Mamang, Imphal East District; and Kshetrimayum Rajen Singh (38) from the Kakching Lamdong area, Kakching.
These multiple arrests in a single day signify a concerted effort by Manipur’s security apparatus to dismantle the networks of these proscribed groups and curb their unlawful activities in the region. Authorities are continuing their investigations and are likely to provide further updates as the cases progress.