Manipur Police arrested four persons on charges of extortion in Imphal West district on December 8, the arrests being reported on Tuesday. Among those detained were two members of the UNLF (Pambei) group, identified as Ningthoujam Nongpoknganba Meitei (31) and Konthoujam Nelson Singh (23), who were apprehended from Awang Wabagai.
Police officials stated that although UNLF (Pambei) had signed a peace agreement with the Government of India in 2023, some of its members have continued to indulge in illegal and criminal activities.
In the same operation, two members of SOREPA were also arrested. Chungkham Nanao Macha alias Mitlang (24) was arrested from Ningthemkol, while Arambam Thoithoi Singh (41) was detained from Changangei.
In a related development, security forces recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from Ngairangbam Mayai Lambi Loukon in Imphal West district on December 8. The seized items included two single-barrel guns, one stun grenade, one smoke grenade, one 36-HE grenade without detonator, 54 rounds of ammunition and two radio sets.
Police also recovered unaccounted cash amounting to Rs 3.90 lakh from the possession of the arrested persons.
