IMPHAL, July 7: In a continued crackdown on insurgent activity, security forces in Manipur arrested five active militants belonging to two banned outfits in separate operations conducted across Imphal East district on Sunday. The coordinated operations reflect intensified efforts by the state authorities to restore peace and curb militant activities amid ongoing unrest.
In one operation, two cadres of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) — identified as Sangomshumpham Musha Ahamed alias Ibobi, aged 40, and Md. Farooque Shah, aged 25 — were apprehended from Keibi Heikak Mapan Awang Leikai under Sagolmang Police Station. Both men, residents of Khomidok in Imphal East, were caught red-handed while attempting to extort money from locals. A Honda Dio scooter was seized from their possession during the arrest.
In a separate raid, three active members of the banned People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) were arrested from Keirao Khunou under Irilbung Police Station. One of them, Laishram Vishan Meitei alias Bhojo alias Nongthon, aged 28, is a resident of Lamphel Sana Keithel in Imphal West. The other two arrested individuals were juveniles. Police confirmed that they are being handled in accordance with the Juvenile Justice Act.
In another major development, security forces recovered a significant cache of arms and explosives on Saturday during an operation at Nepali Basti in the Santipur area of Bishnupur district. Among the recovered items were rifles, improvised mortars, grenades, bulletproof gear, communication devices, and assorted ammunition. Authorities believe the stockpile was intended for use in future militant activities.
Meanwhile, as part of routine law enforcement, Manipur Police issued 45 challans for various motor vehicle violations on July 6, collecting fines amounting to Rs 83,500. The previous day, a special drive led to the removal of tinted films from 16 vehicles.
