Imphal: In a major security operation, Manipur police and security forces arrested four militants from two banned outfits, two extortionists, and two drug peddlers over the past 24 hours, recovering drugs valued at Rs 6 crore, officials said on Monday.
The arrested militants belong to the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA)/Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), and were apprehended from Bishnupur and Imphal West districts. The PLA, one of Manipur’s oldest militant groups, operates mainly in the Imphal Valley along with its political wing, RPF.
Authorities said the militants were involved in recruiting youth for the RPF/PLA, extortion from residents and government officials, and mediating loan recovery through intimidation. Among them, self-styled RPF/PLA Lieutenant Khangembam Manglemba Singh alias Sunny (46) reportedly monitored security personnel movements and shared intelligence with his outfit.
In a separate operation, two drug peddlers, Mohammad Ethem Khan and Raju Khan, were arrested from Heingang in Imphal East district. Police recovered two kilograms of highly addictive methamphetamine tablets worth over Rs 6 crore and cash exceeding Rs 38 lakh from their possession.
Two extortionists, Sarangthem Dinesh Singh (29) and Khundrakpam Mohen Singh (25), involved in targeting vehicles on the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2), were arrested from Keinou Bazar in Bishnupur district. A two-wheeler and a mobile phone were seized from them.
Security forces continue search operations and area domination in vulnerable zones across districts. The movement of 346 vehicles carrying essential goods along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37) has been ensured without incident.
Officials said strict security measures, including 115 nakas and checkpoints across hills and valleys, have been implemented to prevent illegal movements and ensure the safe passage of vehicles in sensitive areas.
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