Security forces on December 18 arrested four cadres of the proscribed UNLF (P) after foiling the hijacking of a truck carrying boxes of iced fish in Imphal West district, officials said.

The arrests came after a swift operation launched within hours of the truck being hijacked from the Maharabi–Pheidinga stretch under Sekmai police station earlier the same day. Security personnel recovered the stolen truck along with the entire consignment of iced fish during the operation.

The arrested UNLF (P) cadres were identified as Borish Sagolsem (25) of Yairipok Laimanai in Imphal East district, Herojit Sharma (32) of Yairipok Bishnunaha Mayai Leikai in Thoubal district, Asem Amar Meitei (20) of Sabal Awang Leikai in Bishnupur district, and Md Salman Khan (35) of Yairipok Tulihal in Imphal East district.

Investigators also seized two tipper trucks allegedly used to transfer and transport the fish boxes from the hijacked vehicle. The drivers and a handyman linked to the seized vehicles were taken into custody and identified as Pukhrambam Mukhesh Singh (23) of Torbung Bangla in Bishnupur district, Waikhom Bijen Meitei (31) of Yairipok Nungaipokpi Mamang Leikai in Imphal East district, and Loukrakpam Shitaljit Singh (32) of Yairipok Nungeipokpi Mamang Leikai in Imphal East district.

Security officials said further investigation is under way to ascertain the full scope of the operation and possible links to other criminal activities in the area.