Imphal: Manipur Police and central security forces have arrested four people in separate operations, including three alleged cadres of the proscribed Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), the political wing of the outlawed People’s Liberation Army (PLA), officials said on Monday.
One of the arrests was linked to a drug trafficking investigation, while the other operations were conducted as part of a 48-hour security sweep across vulnerable locations in the state.
According to police, a team from Jiribam Police Station arrested 31-year-old Rohim Mia from Malda district in West Bengal on August 6 in connection with a case registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Mia, a resident of Shashani in Malda, was subsequently brought to Jiribam Police Station after completion of the required formalities. Police said further questioning was underway as part of the investigation.
In another operation, security forces arrested 59-year-old Shagolshem Rokeshwar Singh alias Shanta from the Khongjom Langathel area under Khongjom Police Station in Thoubal district. Police identified him as an active alleged RPF/PLA cadre.
A second alleged RPF/PLA cadre, identified as 56-year-old Thounaojam Ibochouba Meitei alias Lamta, was arrested near Eco Park Road in Kakching district, officials said.
Police described Meitei as a self-styled corporal of the RPF/PLA and said he was apprehended near Nongjubi Changpham under Kakching Police Station.
In a third operation, security forces arrested 54-year-old Khangembam Subhash Singh alias Thanil, a resident of Irengbam Makha Leikai in Bishnupur district. Police alleged that he was associated with the PLA/RPF and was involved in extortion activities in urban areas of the valley.
Security forces also arrested 44-year-old Konsam Sanatomba, whom police identified as an active member of the proscribed United National Liberation Front (Koireng), from Lamlong in Imphal East.
According to police, Sanatomba was allegedly involved in extortion and had threatened a non-Manipuri resident of Telepati with live ammunition while demanding money.
Police officials said security measures have been strengthened across the valley districts following the operations.
Interrogation of the arrested individuals is underway, with investigators examining possible financial links, weapon-related networks and digital evidence, officials said.
Authorities have also appealed to residents to report incidents of intimidation, extortion or other threats to the police as security operations continue.