Imphal: Manipur Police, in coordination with the Assam Rifles, arrested three active cadres of the Kangleipak Communist Party (Military Federal Leadership) following a threat video posted on Facebook warning of a bomb attack at the ongoing Sangai Festival 2025, police said on Thursday.
The three active cadres of the banned KCP (MFL), including a woman, were arrested on Wednesday, they said.
The threat video, uploaded on Facebook on November 21 by a user identified as “Metei Lanmi Naotyboy,” prompted a swift follow-up investigation and a joint operation by security forces, a police officer said.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Laishram Sonia Devi, Salam Luwangnganba Meetei alias Ibungo, and Phamdom Phampok Meitei, alias Ajay, alias Abungcha.
Laishram Sonia Devi was picked up from her residence and is reportedly involved in extortion activities. Phamdom Phampok Meitei was allegedly involved in planning to hurl grenades at the festival venue.
According to police, the militants were apprehended from Imphal East, Imphal West and Thoubal districts.
Police said the arrests marked a significant breakthrough in averting a potential security threat to the state’s premier tourism event. Further investigation is underway.
The Sangai tourism festival has been boycotted by displaced persons and civil society organisations in the northeastern state.
More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups in Manipur since May 2023.
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In a separate incident, Manipur Police on Wednesday arrested an active cadre of the proscribed KYKL (SOREPA) group during an operation in the Porompat area.
The arrested individual has been identified as Thangjam Avinash Singh, alias Amuba, alias Picktru (18). According to police, he was actively involved in recruiting new members for the outfit.
A mobile phone used in his activities was seized from his possession.
Further investigation is underway, police said.
