Security forces arrested seven alleged cadres of PRE-PAK (Pro) during coordinated searches in Manipur on October 4, with officials linking two of the arrests to a bomb blast at the residence of a sitting MLA and the others to the recruitment of new members.
Teams of the Chief of Defence Organisation (CDO), Imphal West, launched searches at several locations based on intelligence inputs. Seven alleged cadres were apprehended along with a child in conflict with law (CCL), officials said.
Those arrested included 19-year-old Usham Rakesh Singh alias Jenaresh alias Thouba of Langol Ningthou Leikai; 19-year-old Yumnam Athoibi Chanu of Langol Ningthou Leikai; 19-year-old RK Dayapati Devi alias Pinky alias Kichenbi of Tangkham Maning Leikai in Imphal East; 23-year-old Ahongshangbam Jet Meitei alias Jack of Heinoupok Maning Leirak in Imphal West; 19-year-old Naorem Lanthoiba Singh alias Sana alias Thoichanba of Nambol Maibam Chingmang in Bishnupur district; and 19-year-old Ayekpam Stephen Meitei alias Alex alias Yekchetpa of Takyel Khongbal Maning Leikai in Imphal West.
The seventh person was identified by the authorities as a PRE-PAK (Pro) cadre involved in the outfit’s activities.
Officials alleged that Yumnam Athoibi Chanu and RK Dayapati Devi were involved in the August 28 bomb blast at the residence of the MLA representing Konthoujam Assembly constituency. The other arrested cadres were allegedly engaged in recruiting new members for the outfit.
A yellow Honda Activa 6G scooter bearing registration number MN01AJ 4957 was also recovered during the operation.
In a related development, security forces rescued a juvenile from being recruited by the outfit. One child in conflict with law was also apprehended.
The arrested persons and the seized scooter were handed over to Lamphel Police Station for further legal action.
