Manipur: Six Arrested as Security Forces Recover Arms, Ammunition and Stolen Vehicles

Imphal, Manipur: Security forces have arrested six people and recovered firearms-related items, ammunition and stolen vehicles during a series of security and anti-vehicle theft operations conducted across Manipur over the past 24 hours, police said.

The operations were carried out at several locations as security agencies intensified action against suspected members and associates of banned militant organisations, while also investigating cases involving stolen vehicles.

Suspected SOREPA Extortionist Arrested in Imphal East

In Imphal East district, security forces conducted a coordinated operation targeting suspected cadres of banned militant organisations.

During the operation, police arrested 52-year-old Md. Majahar Ali, a resident of Khergao Makha Leikai, from the Checkon area along Ayang Palli Road under Porompat police station.

According to police, Ali was allegedly an active extortionist cadre of the Socialist Revolutionary Party (SOREPA).

A Honda Activa DLX scooter bearing registration number MN 06SX 6027 was also seized from his possession during the operation.

RPF-PLA Cadre Held, Explosive Items Recovered

In a separate operation, security personnel arrested 25-year-old Pheiroijam Karanjoy Singh, alias Korouhanba, from Seijang Awang Leikai under Lamlai police station.

Police identified Singh as an alleged active member of the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF-PLA), the political wing of the banned People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Following information reportedly obtained during interrogation, security personnel conducted a subsequent search of Singh’s residence.

The search led to the recovery of:

• One hand grenade with a detonator and arming ring
• One empty INSAS rifle magazine
• Three empty rifle cartridge cases

The recovery is part of the ongoing security operation against suspected underground organisations operating in the state.

Stolen Honda Activa Recovered in Lilong

Security forces also recovered another Honda Activa scooter that was allegedly stolen from a parking area near the Boxing Arena at Khuman Lampak during a Durand Cup football match on August 3.

Police said the recovery was made during an investigation involving 27-year-old Nawaz Khan of Lilong Yangbi Leikai, who had been arrested on August 3 in connection with another stolen Honda Activa case.

During the course of the investigation and interrogation, security personnel traced the second scooter to Lilong, where it was subsequently recovered.

The recovery has added to the ongoing anti-vehicle theft drive being conducted by security agencies in different parts of Manipur.

Security Situation Remains Tense in Jiribam

The latest security operations come at a time of heightened tension in Jiribam district, following the reported arrest of three alleged cadres associated with the Manipur People’s Army (MPA), described as the armed wing of the Pambei-led United National Liberation Front (UNLF).

The reported arrests have drawn opposition from local civil society organisations, which have questioned the circumstances surrounding the detention.

Nongthombam Kumari, secretary of the Jiribam Ima Meira Paibi Lup (JIMPAL), alleged that the three individuals were called to Jiribam police station on the pretext of taking part in peace-related discussions before being detained by security personnel.

JIMPAL, along with the Jiribam Development Organization (JDO), has issued an ultimatum to the authorities, demanding the unconditional release of the three detained individuals.

Kumari reportedly warned that failure to release the detainees by midnight would lead the organisations to impose a total and indefinite shutdown across Jiribam district.

Security Operations Continue Across Manipur

The latest developments highlight the continuing security challenges in Manipur, where authorities are conducting operations against suspected insurgent networks while simultaneously stepping up efforts to trace and recover stolen vehicles.

The arrests, recoveries and ongoing developments in Jiribam are expected to remain closely monitored as security agencies continue their investigations and local organisations press the authorities over the reported detentions.