Major Security Operations in Manipur: Six Militants and Drug Peddlers Arrested
Significant Arrests in Manipur
Imphal: In a significant operation, security forces in Manipur apprehended six militants from various groups, along with two wanted criminals and four individuals involved in drug trafficking over the last 24 hours. Authorities reported the seizure of a substantial amount of weapons and drugs.
According to a police spokesperson, Waikhom Rohit Singh, also known as Phurupngakpa, aged 33, was arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Four members of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were detained in Imphal West, while one member each from the United People’s Party of Kangleipak (UPPK) and the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) were captured in Imphal East and Kakching districts, respectively. The militants were found with firearms, ammunition, explosives, seven mobile phones, and cash.
Additionally, four drug traffickers were arrested in Imphal West and Tengnoupal district, which borders Myanmar. In Tengnoupal, police intercepted two vehicles and discovered three lakh methamphetamine tablets, commonly referred to as Yaba or party pills, hidden in specially modified compartments. The estimated value of the drugs is several crores of rupees. Authorities also recovered Rs 2.6 lakh in cash, several Aadhaar cards, and other documents from the vehicles.
The arrested drug peddlers, Paojathang Kipgen, 30, and Kamminlun Kipgen, 24, are residents of Govajang village in Tengnoupal.
In another incident in Imphal West, two additional drug traffickers were apprehended with 274.8 kg of ganja (marijuana) being transported in a truck. The suspects, Kayenbam Kenedi Singh, 36, and Keisam Sarat Singh, 55, were taken into custody.
Manipur Police also arrested Sinthangamba Konsham Mangang, 25, from Kabo Leikai in Thoubal District. He is known for his involvement in multiple mob-related incidents, including an attack on the Thoubal District Superintendent of Police's office.
As part of a special initiative by the state police, four stolen vehicles were recovered from individuals involved in criminal activities. Amid ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur, there have been reports of vehicle thefts, with a total of 126 stolen cars and 20 two-wheelers recovered since April 16, following the launch of a special recovery operation.