Imphal: Manipur Police and central security forces have arrested two suspected cadres of the proscribed People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak-Progressive (PREPAK-P) in connection with alleged extortion activities, amid the outfit’s claim of responsibility for a recent bomb attack that injured a Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel in Imphal East.
According to police reports, Thoubal Commando personnel launched an operation on October 10 following intelligence inputs about extortion activities in the area. The operation led to the arrest of Elangbam Dinesh Singh, 38, an alleged active cadre of PREPAK (Pro), from Khangabok.
Information obtained during questioning reportedly helped security forces identify and arrest another suspected cadre, Potshangbam Bijen Singh, 33, at Kakching Lamkhai.
Police said the two men were allegedly involved in extortion operations and the transportation of illegal weapons. A case has been registered at Thoubal Police Station, and further investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, PREPAK (Pro) has claimed responsibility for the October 8 bomb attack targeting RAF personnel at New Lambulane in Imphal East district.
The explosion occurred at around 9.17 pm and injured Head Constable Dhananjay Rai, 40, a native of Uttar Pradesh serving with the RAF under the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
In a statement signed by its Assistant Publicity Secretary, L. Ningsingba, the outfit attributed the attack to its specialised mobile unit, the Cobra Task Force.
The group sought to justify the attack by accusing security personnel of using excessive force against student and women protesters. It alleged that stun grenades, electric batons, tear gas and pellet guns had been used during the protests.
The outfit also questioned the deployment of the Indian Army and the RAF in the region, alleging that the presence of central forces had worsened the suffering of local residents and prolonged the conflict.
In its statement, PREPAK (Pro) warned that its specialised units would continue carrying out explosive attacks when it considered them necessary.
The arrests and the outfit’s claim of responsibility come amid continuing security concerns in Manipur, where authorities are pursuing cases involving alleged extortion, insurgent activity and attacks on security personnel.