Imphal, May 7: Security forces and the Manipur Police conducted a series of counter-insurgency operations across Manipur over the last two days, resulting in the arrest of several active cadres linked to banned militant organisations, including the Kangleipak Communist Party, People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak and United Kuki National Army, officials said on May 7.
In one operation carried out on May 6, security personnel arrested an active cadre of the KCP (PSC-Politburo Standing Committee), identified as Haobam Johnson Meitei alias Sanathoi alias Sagei, from his residence at Lamlongei Awang Leikai under Lamsang Police Station in Imphal West district. Authorities seized a mobile phone and an Aadhaar card during the raid.
In another operation, a woman cadre of the same outfit, identified as Salam Ongbi Konjengbam Karuna Devi alias Pipik, was arrested from Sagolband Meino Leirak under Imphal Police Station limits. Security personnel recovered Rs 6.81 lakh in cash, along with a mobile phone and Aadhaar card from her possession.
Separately, an active cadre of PREPAK-PRO, identified as Wangkhem Rohit Singh alias Angkhei, was arrested from Chingmeirong Maning Leikai in Imphal West district. Two mobile phones and Rs 1,400 in cash were seized during the operation.
Security forces also intensified search and area domination exercises in fringe and vulnerable regions amid continuing concerns over militant activities and cross-border movement.
Officials stated that the movement of 319 vehicles carrying essential commodities along National Highway-37 was secured under heavy escort arrangements, with convoys deployed across sensitive stretches to ensure uninterrupted supply movement.
As part of enhanced security measures, authorities established 114 naka and check points across hill and valley districts throughout the state.
In another major operation, security forces arrested a self-styled S/S Lieutenant of the UKNA, identified as Seimenlal Haokip, from M Songgel village in Churachandpur district on May 5.
Subsequent search operations in forested areas near S Kholen and Ukha Loikhai on May 6 led to the recovery of a cache of arms and explosives. Seized items included an AK-47 rifle, a pistol, ammunition, hand grenades, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a radio set, a Maruti Gypsy vehicle, and a smartphone.
In a separate development, Manipur Police arrested another active KCP (PSC) cadre, identified as Laishram Ibomcha Meitei, from Wangkhei Pukhrambam Leirak in Imphal East district.
Police said the accused was allegedly involved in the explosion near Imphal Airport on May 3. He has been remanded to 10 days of police custody for further investigation. A mobile phone and Aadhaar card were also seized during his arrest.
Security agencies stated that counter-insurgency operations would continue across the state to curb militant activities and maintain law and order.
