Imphal, 07 October (H.S.): Security forces and police have intensified their crackdown on militants, criminals and drug traffickers in Manipur, with several arrests made during separate operations across the state over the past 24 hours.

According to an official statement issued by Manipur Police on Wednesday, two active cadres of the militant outfit PLA, allegedly involved in extortion activities, were arrested from Haobam Marak Lourembam Leikai in Imphal West on Tuesday. The arrested persons were identified as Maibam Arun alias Uru Singh (50) and Wahengbam Bimol alias Mani alias Luwang Meitei (26). A Honda Activa was also seized from their possession.

Police also rearrested a fugitive accused who had escaped from lawful custody by scaling the boundary wall of Lilong Police Station on August 26. The accused, Buyamayum Ayub Khan (30), was arrested by a police team from Yairipok Leikai Mana Ingkhol, Hatta, in Imphal East on October 4.

In another operation, Churachandpur district police arrested two persons, identified as Lettingthang Vaifei (21) and Lungoulen Haokip (33), from Koite village along Tedim Road on October 6. Around 373 grams of suspected brown sugar concealed in 30 soap cases was recovered from their possession. A silver Ford EcoSport bearing registration number DL-1CT-4953 was also seized.

On October 5, a joint team of CDO Imphal West and CDO Thoubal, acting on specific intelligence, arrested an active cadre of PREPAK, Laishram Bishal Singh (29), from his residence in the Mamang Leikai area under Mayang Imphal Police Station. He was allegedly involved in recruiting new members for the outfit.

On the same day, a joint team of CDO Thoubal and security forces arrested Thongram Keli Meitei alias Khuman (28) from Wangjing Market. He was identified as an active member of the KCP (PWG) and was allegedly engaged in recruitment activities for the outfit.

In another drug-related operation, a person riding an Activa was intercepted at the Tengnoupal Police Station naka checkpoint on October 5 following specific intelligence inputs. A search led to the seizure of six packets of suspected WY tablets weighing around 5.4 kg. The rider, Helminlal Haokip (31), was arrested along with the seized contraband and the two-wheeler.

Police said further investigation and legal proceedings in all the cases are underway.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash