Imphal: Security forces in Manipur have arrested 12 active cadres linked to banned militant outfits over the past 24 hours across multiple districts, recovering arms, ammunition, and other materials, officials said on Saturday.
According to police sources, the arrested individuals are affiliated with three proscribed groups: the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), the Socialist Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (SOREPA), and the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK).
The arrests were made during coordinated operations in Imphal West, Imphal East, and Kakching districts.
One PREPAK operative, identified as Chingakham Sanjoy Singh Eremba (42), was apprehended in Imphal West. Police recovered a wallet containing an Aadhaar card and PAN card from his possession.
Officials said he had undergone 45 days of basic military training in Myanmar and was working for the underground outfit before returning to Manipur.
Another PREPAK cadre, Leishanthem Athoiba alias Leishang (21), was arrested from the Wabagai area in Kakching district. He, too, had received military training in Myanmar. A mobile phone was recovered from him, police added.
In a separate operation, three KCP cadres involved in extortion and issuing threats to civilians, including shopkeepers and bank staff in the valley region, were also taken into custody.
Manipur Police also arrested Warepam Shanta Singh (42) in Kanglatombi Bazar, Imphal West, for illegal possession of arms.
Seized from him were a 9mm pistol, one magazine, six rounds of ammunition, and a mobile phone with SIM card.
In Imphal East, security forces recovered additional arms and ammunition, although specific details were not disclosed.
Authorities continue extensive search and area domination operations in fringe and vulnerable zones.
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Meanwhile, the police have urged the public not to fall prey to fake news or misleading social media content.
“Verification of any video, audio, or message can be done through the Central Control Room,” said a police statement. It also warned that spreading or uploading fake content online could lead to legal consequences.
Additionally, the public has been urged to voluntarily return any looted weapons, ammunition, or explosives to the nearest police station or security forces.
