Imphal: A series of criminal activities, insurgent attacks and police operations were reported in Manipur’s valley districts over a 24-hour period, according to official sources on Monday.

Security forces arrested several suspected extortionists and a key suspect linked to the recent attack on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

An explosive suspected to be a hand grenade was detonated in front of the Mazo Hub retail store in Chingmeirong near the state Assembly at around 5:48 PM on Sunday. According to officials, unidentified miscreants hurled the device before fleeing the area.

No one was injured in the blast. However, the explosion shattered windows and damaged several civilian vehicles parked nearby.

Personnel from Lamphel Police Station reached the site along with forensic experts. Police registered a case and launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the attack.

In a separate operation, the Imphal East Commando unit and the 31st Battalion of the Assam Rifles arrested two alleged members of the proscribed KCP (Apunba) faction in the Phaknung area of Imphal East.

The arrested persons were identified as Phijam Chingtam Meitei, 22, and Hijam Nanao Meitei, alias Akanao, 25. Both are residents of Sekta Mayai Leikai in Imphal East district.

Police said the two were allegedly involved in illegal taxation and extortion targeting businesses and residents in the district.

Police also arrested a 56-year-old man on Saturday in connection with the September 10 attack on a CRPF Road Opening Party (ROP) at Khonghampat Awang Leikai in Imphal West. The suspect was identified as Sheleibam Yaima, a resident of Sekmai Parao, and was allegedly involved in providing logistical support for the attack.

Security personnel seized a Maruti Alto allegedly used by the attackers to flee the area. A search of the vehicle also led to the recovery of a spent cartridge casing.

Meanwhile, the National Revolutionary Front Manipur (NRFM) has claimed responsibility for the September 10 attack on the 152 Battalion of the CRPF along the Imphal-Dimapur highway near Keikol.

In a press release issued by its Information and Publicity Secretary, Sanajaoba Meitei, the outfit claimed that its armed wing, the Manipur Army (MA), carried out the attack.

The statement claimed that three CRPF personnel suffered grievous injuries. It also said the armed unit returned to its designated base camp without suffering any casualties.