West Bengal Man Escapes Abduction in Manipur as Security Forces Recover Arms

Imphal: A West Bengal resident abducted after landing at Imphal Airport escaped his captors on September 19. Md. Wasim Akram reached safety near Naranseina, roughly 40 kilometers from the airport, after he pulled the handbrake of a Bolero, registration AS02A B9720, to force the vehicle to a stop. Akram fled on foot and sought help from security personnel. Police arrested the driver, 24-year-old Makakmayum Imtiyazur Rahaman of Wangoi Mamang Leikai, following the incident.

Officials stated, "On September 19, personnel of Moirang Police Station rescued Md. Wasim Akram, a West Bengal resident who escaped from his abductors at Naranseina by pulling the handbrake of a transport vehicle and fled to security personnel for help. He was abducted upon his arrival at Imphal airport." Investigators are currently searching for remaining suspects.

Manipur security forces launched sweeping operations on September 20. Imphal West Commandos and the 33 Assam Rifles arrested PREPAK members Heikham Amujao Singh, 45, and Athokpam Robinkumar Singh, 46. They recovered a 9mm pistol and 12 live rounds. Meanwhile, a joint operation by the CRPF and Imphal West Commandos led to the arrest of PLA associate Angom Manikanta Singh, 23, in Phayeng. Authorities seized two Chinese hand grenades, one high-explosive grenade, two detonators, and 18 rounds of ammunition.

Bishnupur police commandos arrested RPF/PLA cadre Sanasam Gobin Singh, 35, in Kumbi. A separate joint raid in Sajirok uncovered an arms cache containing five 9mm pistols, a Carbine Machine Gun, a pump-action gun, eight single-barrel guns, and various ammunition. Drugs were also targeted. Police recovered 2.1 kilograms of brown sugar from an abandoned Maruti Swift in Kwakta Maronglou. In Senapati, police and the Assam Rifles arrested Rohim Ali, Anowar Hussain Laskar, and Md Nawaz Khan with 2.3 kilograms of WY tablets and 5,000 rupees. The Koireng-led United National Liberation Front also issued a statement denying ties to Khundongbam Motilal, who was arrested in August.