IMPHAL: In a series of operations against insurgent activities, security forces in Manipur have arrested five militants linked to banned outfits, police said on Tuesday. Weapons and foreign currency were also seized during the raids.
On Monday, two active members of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP-Apunba) were apprehended from Rupmahal Tank in Imphal West district. Identified as Haobam Malemnganba Singh (22) and Sharuk Ahmed (18), the duo was allegedly involved in extortion, targeting local businesses.
In a separate operation on Sunday, one cadre each from the United National Liberation Front (UNLF-Koireng) and the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) was arrested at Boundary Pillar 85 in Tengnoupal district. The militants, Nameirakpam Robert Meitei (26) of UNLF-K and Mangshatabam Milanchandra Singh (28) of PREPAK, were found in possession of 7,500 Kyat (Myanmar currency), indicating cross-border ties.
In another operation, security forces arrested Thangkholal Haokip (35) in Kawnpui, Churachandpur district, for allegedly trafficking weapons. They seized a Colt 7.65mm Auto Pistol, a 9mm country-made pistol, three magazines, and sixteen bullets from him. Police are now investigating further to break links with banned groups.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army, along with the Assam Rifles and in coordination with the Manipur Police and other security forces, nabbed eight cadres and recovered 25 weapons, ammunition, and warlike stores in a series of joint operations conducted in multiple districts of Manipur, officials said on Monday. According to a release, the operations were conducted in Kakching, Thoubal, Tengnoupal, Bishnupur, Imphal East, and Chandel districts.