In a sweeping 24-hour crackdown across Manipur, state security forces apprehended a total of 14 individuals, including six militants from different outfits, two wanted offenders, and four drug peddlers, officials said on Thursday. A substantial amount of arms, ammunition, drugs, and cash was seized.
Among the arrested militants was Waikhom Rohit Singh alias Phurupngakpa (33), of Thoubal Pakhangkhong Leirak, who was taken into custody in connection with an ongoing investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Four cadres of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were arrested in Imphal West, while one member each of the United People’s Party of Kangleipak (UPPK) and the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) were detained from Imphal East and Kakching districts. The arrests led to the recovery of arms, ammunition, explosives, mobile phones, and cash.
In the anti-narcotics drive, four drug peddlers were arrested from Imphal West and Tengnoupal — a district bordering Myanmar. In Tengnoupal, security forces intercepted two vehicles and seized three lakh methamphetamine tablets (Yaba), concealed in hidden compartments. The drugs, worth several crores in the illegal market, were recovered along with Rs 2.6 lakh in cash, Aadhaar cards, and other documents. The accused were identified as Paojathang Kipgen (30) and Kamminlun Kipgen (24), both residents of Govajang village.
In a related seizure, Kayenbam Kenedi Singh (36) and Keisam Sarat Singh (55) were arrested in Imphal West after police recovered 274.8 kg of ganja hidden in a truck.
Separately, Sinthangamba Konsham Mangang (25), a repeat offender from Kabo Leikai in Thoubal, was apprehended for his involvement in several mob-related incidents, including an attack on the office of the Thoubal District SP.
As part of an ongoing vehicle theft recovery drive launched on April 16 amid ethnic violence, police recovered four stolen vehicles from anti-social elements. To date, 126 stolen cars and 20 two-wheelers have been recovered across the state.
