Imphal: In a fresh crackdown on insurgent activities in Manipur, security forces have apprehended two women linked to separate banned militant outfits for their alleged role in extortion, police officials said on Monday.
According to a police statement, the arrests were carried out on Sunday in Imphal East and Imphal West districts during coordinated operations.
One of the accused, 29-year-old Sanasam Ongbi Santikumari Devi, is said to be associated with the United National Liberation Front (Koireng). She was arrested from the Nongpok Ingkhol area in Imphal East district.
Two mobile phones and one Aadhaar Card were seized from her possession, police said.
In a separate operation, 19-year-old Mutum Joshika Chanu, allegedly a member of the Kangleipak Communist Party (Apunba), was detained from her residence at Lamdeng in Imphal West district, the statement added.
Security forces on February 13 recovered a powerful improvised explosive device (IED) in Churachandpur district, police said.
ALSO READ: Manipur plans world-class Polo ground at Lamphelpat, CM announces
According to Manipur Police, the cylindrical IED, fitted with a pressure mechanism and containing around 10 kg of explosives, was found along the route between Sijang (a Kuki village) and Sanamahi Temple, a Meitei place of worship. The recovery was made in the vicinity of Naga village, Lamna Kabui area, under Churachandpur Police Station.
The explosive device was later safely defused and destroyed by a Bomb Disposal Team in the presence of representatives of the 2 JAKLI and Churachandpur Police, officials added.
