Imphal, 31 July (HS): In a series of well-coordinated operations carried out in the last 24 hours, security forces in Manipur apprehended five individuals associated with various banned insurgent groups. The crackdown also led to the recovery of liquor, mobile phones, identity documents, and vehicles used in unlawful activities.

On July 30, Waikhong Police in Kakching district arrested Leimapokpam Onil Singh (39) of Thongjao Charik after he was found in possession of 101 litres of DIC liquor. The seized contraband was handed over to the Sugnu Excise Department for necessary legal action.

In a separate operation, Imphal West police arrested Ningombam Sanatomba Meitei (42), known by aliases Nanao and Gomeiba, from Taothong Khunou. Meitei, an rebel of the proscribed outfit PREPAK (PRO), is accused of extorting money from the public. A mobile phone with dual SIMs and an Aadhaar card were recovered from him.

Later that day, two individuals linked to the RPF/PLA were intercepted at the Ngaikhong Khunou check post in Bishnupur district. The detained were Konjengbam Jiten Singh (38) and Khongbantabam Priyobarta Meitei (37), alias Tomba. Both are residents of Kwakeithel Konjeng Leikai in Imphal West and were reportedly extorting money from contractors and businessmen. A silver Maruti 800 (ML-04B-0783) and two mobile phones were seized during the operation.

In yet another arrest, Md. Azam (23), a member of KCP (PWG), was held at Kairang Chingya Leikai in Imphal East. The police recovered a wallet containing his Aadhaar card. Azam hails from Khurai Thangjam Khunou Chingya Leikai and was under surveillance for his subversive activities.

In another operation, Khundongbam Ashothama Singh (35), alias Apom, was apprehended in Thoubal district. Singh, a KCP (PWG) rebel, was arrested from Heirok Narengtatpi Loukon and is accused of threatening civilians, extortion and recruitment of new cadres. A mobile phone, a SIM card, and an unregistered Honda Activa were confiscated from him.

All arrested individuals remain in police custody, and investigations are continuing to dismantle the wider nexus of banned outfits operating in the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash