Manipur Security Forces Detain Two Women for Alleged Minor Abductions
Arrests Made in Thoubal District
Imphal, Jan 7: In a significant operation, security personnel in Manipur apprehended two female members of the banned People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) for reportedly abducting minors with the aim of enlisting them into the militant group.
The arrests occurred on January 5 in the Khangabok region of Thoubal district, following intelligence-led combing and search operations, as confirmed by police on Wednesday.
The individuals taken into custody have been identified as Khundrakpam alias Ningthoujam Roshidiya, aged 24, from Khangabok Khulakpam Leikai, and Lisham alias Bidya, aged 30, from Thoubal Haokha Maning Leikai. Officials have noted that both are active members of the organization.
This action was prompted by an investigation into the abduction of three minors from Kakching Khunou Ngaikhong Leikai, which falls under the jurisdiction of Waikhong police station, on the previous Sunday.
Initial investigations indicate that the children were forcibly taken for recruitment into the militant group.
A senior police official stated, “The minors were successfully rescued from Uchiwa Awang Leikai in Imphal West district and have been safely returned to their families.”
Additionally, a white hatchback vehicle (MN06-1329), believed to have been used in the abduction, was seized during the operation.
Authorities are actively working to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in this crime, with ongoing investigations to ascertain if this incident is part of a larger recruitment scheme.
These arrests occur amidst heightened security measures throughout Manipur, where law enforcement has intensified intelligence-driven cordon and search operations related to extortion, abductions, and drug trafficking.
Such operations have been in effect since ethnic violence erupted in the state in May 2023.
Security agencies have indicated that operations will persist in vulnerable regions to thwart militant activities and safeguard civilians, especially minors, from coercive recruitment efforts.