Manipur Police Arrest 15 Insurgents In Statewide Crackdown, Situation 'Tense But Under Control'

In a huge sweep against insurgency, Manipur Police arrested 15 cadres affiliated with various outlawed groups in multiple raids across the state on 8 and 9 March, amidst ongoing President's Rule, ANI reported.

The police confirmed the arrests through an official statement, asserting that while the situation remained “tense but under control,” the force continued “search operations and area domination in fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley Districts.”

Among the most significant arrests were five active NRFM cadres from Thangal Bazar, Imphal West, including two women, all allegedly engaged in extortion and arms transportation. One two-wheeler, five mobile phones, and an ID card were seized.

Another NRFM cadre, Laiphrakpam Soniya Devi (24), was arrested in Imphal East, with police recovering a phone and a wallet containing Rs 1,07,260.

Meanwhile, PREPAK (Pro) operatives were apprehended in two separate raids—Chirom Rostam Meitei and Heikrujam Arvind Singh in Irilbung, and Laishram Boboi Meitei, Palujam Babu Singh, and Yumnam Athoibi Chanu in Imphal West. All were involved in organised extortion.

A KCP (PWG) member, Sorokhaibam Inaoton Singh, was caught near RIMS Main Gate with a mobile handset. Another, Shandham Romen Singh, was arrested in Samurou, found with eleven incriminating demand letters.

Three UPPK cadres, involved in conducting illegal tribunals and extorting citizens, were arrested in Langol Type-II, Imphal West, along with two four-wheelers and other items.

On 8 March, KYKL cadre Mohen Takhellambam was apprehended near Moreh, Tengnoupal District.

Manipur Police also confirmed security measures along NH-2 for the movement of essentials. 109 checkpoints are operational across districts, and the public has been urged not to fall for "rumours and false videos", with a warning against circulating fake posts.

Following months of unrest, President’s Rule was imposed on 13 February, suspending the state's Assembly powers after violence erupted on 3 May 2023, sparked by protests over ST status for the Meitei community.