Imphal: Manipur Police commandos arrested four alleged extortionists, including a cadre of the United National Liberation Front-Pambei (UNLF-P), and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition during a series of coordinated operations across Imphal East, Imphal West and Thoubal districts on Saturday.
In the first operation, security personnel apprehended three active members of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party-People’s War Group (KCP-PWG) from different locations in Imphal East and Imphal West districts.
The arrested individuals were identified as Ningombam Ajitkumar Singh (46) of Singjamei Makha Khongnang Pheidekpi in Imphal West, Laishram Surjit Meitei (43) of Wangkhei Tokpam Leikai in Imphal East, and Laishram Birjit Singh (35) of Keishampat Thokchom Leikai in Imphal West.
Police also seized a Honda Activa scooter (MN-01AL-4757) and other incriminating materials from their possession.
In a separate operation, commandos arrested Chandam Geetchandra Singh (34) of Sanjenbam Mayai Leikai from the Mantripukhri area under Heingang Police Station. Police identified him as an active extortionist linked to the UNLF-P, a militant outfit currently engaged in peace talks with the Centre and the Manipur government.
Meanwhile, in another operation, security forces recovered a sizeable cache of arms and ammunition concealed on a hilltop at Salungpham Uyok Ching under Heirok Police Station in Thoubal district.
The recovered arsenal included two Beretta pistols with magazines, two .32 calibre pistols with magazines, two single-barrel guns, 12 hand grenades, seven magazines of different calibres and 1,242 rounds of assorted ammunition.
Police said all the arrested individuals, along with the seized arms, ammunition and other recovered items, have been handed over to the respective police stations for legal proceedings. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the weapons and identify others involved.