Imphal: Security forces arrested six people and recovered arms, ammunition and stolen vehicles during a series of counter-insurgency and anti-vehicle theft operations across Manipur over the past 24 hours, police said.
In Imphal East, security forces carried out coordinated operations against suspected members of banned militant organisations.
Police arrested 52-year-old Md. Majahar Ali of Khergao Makha Leikai from the Checkon area along Ayang Palli Road under Porompat police station. According to police, Ali was an active extortionist cadre of the Socialist Revolutionary Party (SOREPA). A Honda Activa DLX scooter bearing registration number MN 06SX 6027 was also seized from him.
In another operation, security forces arrested 25-year-old Pheiroijam Karanjoy Singh, alias Korouhanba, from Seijang Awang Leikai under Lamlai police station. Police identified him as an active member of the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF-PLA), the political wing of the banned People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Based on information provided during interrogation, security personnel subsequently searched Singh’s residence and recovered a hand grenade with a detonator and arming ring, an empty INSAS rifle magazine and three empty rifle cartridge cases.
Security forces also recovered a Honda Activa allegedly stolen from a parking area near the Boxing Arena at Khuman Lampak during a Durand Cup football match on August 3.
Police said the recovery followed the interrogation of 27-year-old Nawaz Khan of Lilong Yangbi Leikai. Khan had been arrested on August 3 in connection with another stolen Honda Activa. During the investigation, the second scooter was traced and recovered from Lilong.
The security operations coincided with growing tensions in Jiribam district following the reported arrest of three cadres allegedly associated with the Manipur People’s Army (MPA), the armed wing of the Pambei-led United National Liberation Front (UNLF).
The arrests have triggered opposition from local civil society organisations.
Nongthombam Kumari, secretary of the Jiribam Ima Meira Paibi Lup (JIMPAL), alleged that the three men were summoned to Jiribam police station on the pretext of participating in peace talks before being detained by security personnel.
JIMPAL and the Jiribam Development Organization (JDO) have since issued an ultimatum to the authorities, demanding the unconditional release of the three detained men.
Kumari warned that if the detainees are not released by midnight, the organisations would impose a total and indefinite shutdown across Jiribam district.
The developments come amid heightened security activity in Manipur, with authorities continuing operations against suspected insurgent groups and efforts to recover stolen vehicles.