Manipur Police Arrest Two PREPAK Women, Rescue Three Girls
Security forces in Manipur arrested two alleged women cadres of the banned People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and rescued three minor girls during coordinated operations carried out across Thoubal, Kakching and Imphal West districts, officials said on Wednesday.
The joint operation was conducted by teams of the Assam Rifles, Manipur Police commandos and women police personnel. During the raids, security forces also recovered a white Maruti 800 car bearing registration number MN-06-1329, which was allegedly used in the abduction, along with several incriminating documents.
The arrested women have been identified as Khundrakpam (o) Ningthoujam Roshidiya (24) of Khangabok Khulakpam Leikai and Lisham (o) Bidya (30) of Thoubal Haokha Maning Leikai, both residents of Thoubal district. They were apprehended from the Khangabok area following investigations into a kidnapping case reported a day earlier.
According to police, the two women were involved in the abduction of three minor girls from Kakching Khunou Ngaikhong Leikai under Waikhong Police Station in Kakching district. Preliminary findings suggest that the minors were kidnapped with the intention of forcibly recruiting them into the proscribed outfit.
The kidnapped girls were later traced and rescued from Uchiwa Awang Leikai in Imphal West district. After completing necessary legal formalities, the rescued minors were safely handed over to their parents. Police withheld the identities of the girls in compliance with provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act.
Officials said efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other individuals linked to the case. The arrested accused, along with the seized vehicle and documents, have been handed over to the concerned police station for further investigation and legal proceedings.
Manipur Police reiterated their commitment to acting firmly against insurgent groups and preventing the exploitation and recruitment of minors into unlawful activities.
