By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Security forces in Manipur have intensified operations targeting extortion networks and illegal liquor trade, resulting in the arrest of a suspected militant operative and the seizure of a huge quantity of liquor in two separate incidents.
Officials said an alleged extortionist linked to the banned outfit United National Liberation Front (Progressive) UNLF (P) was apprehended from the Lamlong area on May 26. The accused was identified as Heisnam Jiban Singh (51), originally from Thanga Heisnam Leikai and currently residing near Checkon Tribal Market.
A mobile phone was seized from his possession during the arrest.
Authorities stated that the operation was part of an ongoing drive against insurgency-related extortion activities that have been affecting traders and small business owners in several parts of the state. Based on inputs obtained during interrogation, security personnel carried out another operation in the Langol area.
During the follow-up search, security forces recovered 18 wooden weaving machines believed to have been extorted from local residents and traditional artisans. One 9 mm pistol, a magazine and three live rounds of ammunition were also seized.
Investigators suspect the weaving machines were taken from small-scale weavers and households, underlining the impact of extortion on families dependent on traditional occupations for their livelihood.
In another operation conducted the same day, Manipur Police detained two persons from Pallel Maning Leikai in Tengnoupal district for allegedly possessing a large stock of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and locally brewed DIC liquor.
The detained individuals were identified as Moirangthem Tomba Singh (26) and Naorem Bembem Devi (51).
Police recovered 488 bottles of various IMFL brands, each of 375 ml capacity, along with 11 bottles of 750 ml McDowell’s liquor. Authorities also seized around 397 litres of DIC liquor during the raid.
Officials said the actions were part of an intensified campaign against unlawful activities, including extortion and illegal liquor distribution, amid continuing security challenges in the state.
Further investigation into both cases is underway.