In a major crackdown on extortion-related militancy, security forces in Manipur arrested eight active cadres belonging to various proscribed outfits from different parts of the state within the past 24 hours. The arrests were made during coordinated operations carried out by Manipur Police and other security agencies.
An active member of the banned KCP (City Meitei), identified as Yaikhom Kiran Meitei (28) of Phaknung Sangomshang, Imphal East, was arrested from his locality under Lamlai Police Station. A mobile phone was seized from him.
Following this, another member of the same outfit, Nongthombam Ratan Singh alias Tombi alias Lakpa (48), a resident of Phaknung Awang Leikai, was apprehended from Sawombung Kabui Khunjao, Lane No. 4. Security personnel recovered two mobile phones and a two-wheeler vehicle from his possession. Both individuals were involved in extorting money from petrol pumps in Imphal East.
In a separate operation, Takhellambam Premkumar Singh alias Inao alias Budha (47), a member of KCP (PWG), was arrested from a farmhouse in Chekshabi Pat under Irilbung Police Station, Imphal East. He had been threatening locals in and around Imphal to extort money. Three mobile handsets, a wallet with an Aadhaar card, and a four-wheeler vehicle were seized from him.
Meanwhile, in Imphal West, Manipur Police arrested Leiphrakpam Sanatomba Meitei alias Puremba (32), a cadre of RPF/PLA, from Paobitek Lamkhai under Wangoi Police Station. He was involved in extorting money from educational institutions in the Imphal area. A mobile phone, Rs 30,000 in extorted cash, and a two-wheeler were seized from his possession.
Another RPF/PLA member, Phuritshabam Sunil Singh alias Negro alias Jackson (39), residing at the Mandop Yumpham Relief Camp in Khurkhul, was arrested from Khonghampat near Orchid Farm under Sekmai Police Station. A mobile handset was recovered from him.
In yet another operation, three active cadres of the UNLF (P) were arrested near the gate of Jubilee Hall at RIMS Hospital, Imphal West. They were allegedly involved in extortion activities targeting hospitals and toll tax booths. The arrested individuals were identified as Heisnam Thomas Singh (29) of Mayang Imphal Kokchai, Arambam Tomtom alias Thawailakpa (29) of Lamsang Heipongpokbi Mayai Leikai, and Ningombam Manao Meitei alias Thouyangba (44) of Kongba Laishram Leikai.
From their possession, six mobile phones, Rs 1,13,910 in cash, two wallets, two Aadhaar cards, and a four-wheeler vehicle were recovered.
All arrested individuals and the seized items have been handed over to the respective police stations for further legal action.
In a parallel operation on Wednesday, Manipur Police recovered six vehicles during a special drive aimed at retrieving stolen and snatched vehicles. Additionally, tinted glasses were removed from 79 vehicles as part of the campaign.
