Imphal, July 2: Security forces arrested two alleged militants linked to banned insurgent organisations in Manipur’s Imphal West district during separate operations, police said on Thursday, June 2. The accused were allegedly involved in extortion and the illegal transportation of arms and ammunition.
According to police, one of the arrested individuals, aged 55, is a member of the proscribed People’s Liberation Army (PLA). He was apprehended on Wednesday from the Tabungkhok area under Patsoi Police Station. Investigators have alleged that he was engaged in the transportation of arms and ammunition.
In another operation carried out on Tuesday, security personnel arrested a 26-year-old cadre of the banned National Revolutionary Front of Manipur (NRFM) from Sagoltongba Makha Leikai, which also falls under the jurisdiction of Patsoi Police Station. Police alleged that the individual was involved in extortion activities.
The arrests were made as part of the ongoing counter-insurgency drive being conducted to curb the activities of militant groups operating in the state, police said.
Since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur in May 2023, security forces have continued search operations and area domination exercises in vulnerable and fringe areas to strengthen law and order.
The prolonged conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has resulted in the deaths of more than 260 people and displaced thousands, leading to sustained security measures aimed at restoring normalcy across the state.
