In a swift response to criminal activity in the region, security forces successfully apprehended four members of the UNLF (P) on December 18 after preventing the hijacking of a commercial truck in Imphal West district. The security operation was launched just hours after the vehicle, which was transporting a large consignment of iced fish, was intercepted by the group along the Maharabi–Pheidinga stretch under the jurisdiction of the Sekmai police station. Through a coordinated tactical effort, officials were able to recover the stolen truck and its entire cargo of fish shortly after the incident took place.
The individuals identified as the primary suspects in the hijacking include 25-year-old Borish Sagolsem from Yairipok Laimanai, 32-year-old Herojit Sharma from Yairipok Bishnunaha Mayai Leikai, 20-year-old Asem Amar Meitei from Sabal Awang Leikai, and 35-year-old Md Salman Khan from Yairipok Tulihal. These cadres were taken into custody as part of the immediate crackdown following the report of the theft.
During the course of the operation, investigators also seized two tipper trucks that were allegedly utilized by the group to transfer and transport the boxes of fish from the hijacked vehicle. This discovery led to the additional arrests of two drivers and a handyman associated with the tipper trucks. These individuals have been identified as Pukhrambam Mukhesh Singh of Torbung Bangla, Waikhom Bijen Meitei of Yairipok Nungaipokpi Mamang Leikai, and Loukrakpam Shitaljit Singh, also of Yairipok Nungeipokpi Mamang Leikai.
Security officials have confirmed that a comprehensive investigation is currently underway to determine the full extent of this organized hijacking. Authorities are working to establish if the suspects are linked to other criminal activities in the area or if this operation was part of a larger network. The successful recovery of the goods and the subsequent arrests mark a significant step in maintaining law and order along the district’s transport routes.
