Imphal: Security forces arrested three suspected insurgents and another person allegedly involved in extortion during separate counter-insurgency operations in Imphal East and Imphal West districts on Wednesday, officials said on Thursday.
In Imphal West, district police commandos (CDO-IW), acting on intelligence inputs verified by the 33 Assam Rifles, carried out a search operation at Ghari Awang Leikai. The operation led to the arrest of Yengkokpam Malemnganba Meitei, 29, alias Motu, who is allegedly an active member of the proscribed United National Liberation Front-Koireng faction (UNLF-K).
Police alleged that Malemnganba was involved in extortion activities. Subsequent action resulted in the arrest of two more alleged UNLF-K cadres, Salam Tomba Singh, 22, alias Tondonba, and Konsam Vivek Meitei, 21. A white Mahindra Bolero allegedly used by the suspects was also seized.
In a separate operation in Imphal East, commandos, acting on intelligence inputs corroborated by the 31 Assam Rifles, apprehended Yensembam Rajesh Meitei, 28, from Lamlong Bazar.
According to officials, Rajesh allegedly posed as a member of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party-Miyamgi Fingang Lanmee (KCP-MFL) while allegedly attempting to extort money from a shop in the Konung Mamang area.
Meanwhile, a joint team comprising the Special Commando Unit from Khabeisoi and personnel of the 33 Assam Rifles conducted a cordon-and-search operation in the Nongren Awang Leikai Chingmei area under Lamlai Police Station.
The operation resulted in the recovery of several weapons, including one Lathode gun, two pistols, one single-barrel gun and two modified single-barrel guns.
The arrests and recovery were part of ongoing security operations targeting insurgent and extortion-related activities in the two Imphal districts.