Imphal: A joint team of central and state security forces in Manipur arrested three cadres of the proscribed People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and rescued a teenager from recruitment into the underground organization over the past 24 hours, officials reported on Monday.
Laishram Kullabi Meitei (35), also known as Ronel, a resident of Liwa Road, Kha Maibam Leikai, under Singjamei police station in Imphal West district, was arrested during the first phase of the operation at his residence. He is associated with the underground PLA, the police said.
Following his interrogation, the joint security team launched another operation, resulting in the arrest of Laishram Jiban Singh (45) of Heirok Part-II, Chingol, Thoubal district, from his locality under Heirok police station.
The arrestees were accused of conducting ruthless extortion campaigns and recruiting innocent youths into the PLA in the Manipur valley districts.
This came to light after the arrest of a youth, Mahesh Sarangthem (19) of Kairembikhok Maiyai Leikai under Thoubal police station, Thoubal district.
He had allegedly been recruited into the PLA in recent weeks and was rescued by security forces before being fully folded into the insurgency.
The police reported that three mobile phones, along with three SIM cards and several documents, were recovered from the suspects.
The arrestees were later handed over to the relevant police stations for further legal action.