Manipur Police have successfully apprehended four active members of proscribed insurgent groups across the state, dismantling a network involved in multiple extortion activities. The arrests, made over November 10th and 11th, targeted individuals linked to the PREPAK (PRO) and RPF/PLA outfits.
The initial arrests occurred on November 10th. Police personnel detained Thongam Anand Singh, alias Eku (33), a self-styled Sergeant Major of the PREPAK (PRO) group, near his home in Sekmaijin Thongam, located under Mayang Imphal Police Station in Imphal West district. Singh was allegedly implicated in extortion operations within the Kakching district, and a mobile phone reportedly used in the criminal activities was seized from him. On the same day, police in Thoubal district arrested Thokchom Bijoy Singh, alias Bhopen, Bike, Tayai, or Kheda (56), identified as a self-styled Lance Corporal of the RPF/PLA. A resident of Thinungei Awang Leikai in Bishnupur district, Singh was detained at Yairipok Kakmayai Maning Leikai for his alleged involvement in extorting money from government employees within Bishnupur district. The operation yielded the recovery of a mobile phone and two SIM cards from his possession.
The crackdown continued on November 11th with the arrest of two additional active RPF/PLA members. Shantosh Boro (30) and Mrs. Hodam (O) Moromi Devi (31) were apprehended by Manipur Police from their residences in Dibong Sanakhong, under Jiribam Police Station in Jiribam district. Both individuals were reportedly engaged in extortion activities specifically targeting private schools in the region.
