Imphal: Security forces and Manipur Police arrested two alleged extortionists linked to proscribed insurgent groups and a suspected drug peddler in separate operations across the valley districts over the past 24 hours.
The operations also led to the seizure of 139 grams of suspected brown sugar, along with a two-wheeler and two mobile phones.
During a routine mobile vehicle check post (MVCP) operation conducted by personnel of Lilong Police Station, security personnel detained a suspect identified as Dolaipabam Asif Hussain, 20, a resident of Mayang Imphal Konchak.
A search reportedly led to the recovery of 139 grams of suspected brown sugar, a two-wheeler and two mobile phones from his possession.
In another operation, Manipur Police arrested Heisnam Leabanand Singh, alias Pishumngakpa, 43, from his residence at Pishumthong Oinam Leikai under Singjamei Police Station in Imphal West.
Police identified Singh as an active extortionist associated with the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party-People’s War Group (KCP-PWG).
In a third operation, joint security forces apprehended Usham Rojit Kumar, alias Amujao, 20, from his residence at Korshantabi Maning Leikai under Sugnu Police Station in Kakching district.
According to security forces, Kumar is an active cadre of the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), the political wing of the outlawed People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Meanwhile, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) issued a clarification concerning recent developments surrounding its leadership.
The organisation said PS Haokip continues to serve as president of the KNO, clarifying that an earlier decision concerning his removal applied only to his position as president of the Kuki National Army (KNA).
The KNO said the decision regarding Haokip’s position in the KNA was acknowledged by its cabinet but did not affect his role as president of the KNO.
According to the organisation, the post of KNO president is governed by its internal constitution, rules and established procedures.
The KNO therefore maintained that Haokip’s position as its president remains unchanged despite the earlier development concerning his role in the KNA.