Intelligence-based combing, cordon and search operations are being carried out extensively across Manipur to nab individuals involved in extortion and other criminal activities, officials said.

As part of these operations, security forces on December 30 arrested an active cadre of PREPAK (Pro) (G-5), identified as Yumnam Heramani Singh alias Malem (41) of Itam Nungoi Mayai Leikai, from Keibi village under Lamlai police station in Imphal East district. An Aadhaar card was seized from his possession.

On December 31, Manipur Police arrested Laishram Sanaton Meitei (41) of Khurai Kongpal Ningthoubung Leikai, Imphal East district, who is serving as a Havildar in the Manipur Police.

The arrest followed the detention of another police Havildar a day earlier after a bullet-proof vehicle without a registration number was intercepted at the Wangkhei Andro parking area under Porompat police station in Imphal East district.

Meanwhile, security forces continue to conduct search operations and area domination in fringe and vulnerable areas across districts, leading to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition.

On December 31, security personnel recovered weapons and explosives from Wabagai Natekhong Turenmei under Hiyanglam police station in Kakching district. The recovered items included one M-16 rifle, one SLR rifle, one single-barrel gun, two single-barrel bolt action rifles, one 7.65 mm pistol, ten grenades, four detonators, two arm rings, one improvised explosive device weighing approximately three kilograms, one Lathode live round, one explosive shell, one 51 mm mortar bomb, six tear smoke shells, one stun shell, 71 live rounds of ammunition, 17 twelve-bore live cartridges, two handsets with two chargers, and one quadcopter drone along with other drone accessories.

Officials said operations will continue to dismantle extortion networks and restore law and order across the state.