Manipur Security Forces Launch Statewide Crackdown on Insurgents and Extortionists

Imphal: Manipur security forces and state police arrested 15 individuals across multiple districts during a three-day crackdown ending Wednesday. The coordinated missions targeted insurgent hideouts, illegal arms trafficking, and extortion rackets.

In Imphal East, police busted a temporary insurgent camp at Seijang Cheirao Ching foothills. Forces recovered a cache of weaponry, including one .303 rifle, three 12-bore single-barrel guns, one .22 rifle, an anti-riot gun, and an AK rifle magazine. The haul also featured three mortar shells, two No. 36 hand grenades, three tear smoke grenades, 43 live rounds of varying calibres, and five wireless sets.

Separately, police caught Ruhida Begum, 46, and Rohana Begum, 18, at Shanta Bazar under Andro Police Station. Officers found them carrying a hand grenade intended for sale. Investigators claim, "The duo had allegedly brought a hand grenade to Shanta Bazar with the intention of selling it to a prospective buyer."

Other arrests involved various militant and criminal groups. Marcus Thiyam, 22, and Heikrujam William Meitei, 22, were cuffed at Nungoo Lamkhai for alleged ties to the Socialist Revolutionary Party. Yendrembam Athouba Meitei, 21, a cadre of the Revolutionary People Front, was nabbed at New Lambulane. Yensenbam Chandrasen Meitei, 52, of the Kangleipak Communist Party-Meeyamgi Feengang Lanmi, was arrested at Langdum Lamkhai for alleged extortion.

Luwangthem Ronita Devi, 24, an active cadre of the Kangleipak Communist Party-Nongdrenkhomba, was picked up in Khurai Heikhrumakhong. In Bishnupur district, Oinam Nikarson Singh, 27, was arrested at his home for extortion. Police seized three receipt booklets and health department employee records from him. Moirangthem Sanjoy, 33, was arrested in the North AOC area for a previous public shooting. Police confiscated his .45 NPB pistol, one magazine, and five live rounds.

Finally, Aditya Dhakal, 25, was apprehended near Motbung for a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Authorities continue to monitor the region for further insurgent movement.