Manipur: Three PLA Cadres Arrested in Joint Security Operation
A joint operation by central security forces and Manipur police arrested three individuals allegedly linked to the proscribed People’s Liberation Army (PLA) during intelligence-based combing and cordon-and-search operations in Imphal East and Bishnupur districts. The arrests — made over a 36-hour window — included the seizure of mobile phones and a SIM card; authorities say the suspects were involved in extortion and other criminal activities. One arrest in Thoubal reportedly produced intelligence that led to two more arrests in Bishnupur.
What happened — the core facts
According to the report from NorthEast Now, a combined team of central security forces and Manipur police carried out intelligence-based combing and cordon-and-search operations across Imphal East and Bishnupur districts, culminating in three arrests over 36 hours. The detained suspects are alleged operatives of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the armed wing of the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF). Officials said the detained individuals had been actively involved in extortion and other criminal activities in recent months.
Who was arrested — names, aliases and immediate evidence recovered
The operation began in Ningel Mamang Leikai (Thoubal district) where security personnel apprehended Soibam Kanta Meitei, also known as Ratan, aged 49. From him, authorities seized a mobile phone and a SIM card. Based on information gleaned during his interrogation, teams moved to Bishnupur district and arrested two more suspects: Salam Brojen Meitei (aliases Amujao and Chamba, 41) from Thanga Heisnam Leikai, and Oinam Mani Singh (alias Melei, 42) from Thanga Chingkha Khomlai Leikai. Two mobile phones were reportedly seized from the latter two.
FAQs
Q1: How many people were arrested and where did the arrests take place?
A1: Three individuals were arrested during intelligence-led operations in Imphal East and Bishnupur districts, with the initial arrest in Ningel Mamang Leikai (Thoubal) and follow-up arrests in Bishnupur.
Q2: Who were the arrested suspects?
A2: The arrested men were Soibam Kanta Meitei (alias Ratan, 49) from Thoubal, Salam Brojen Meitei (aliases Amujao/Chamba, 41), and Oinam Mani Singh (alias Melei, 42) from Bishnupur. Phones and SIM cards were recovered from them.
Q3: Why are the recovered phones and SIM cards important?
A3: Seized phones and SIM cards can provide call logs, contact lists, chat histories, location data and sometimes encrypted messages — all of which can identify handlers, accomplices and transaction trails crucial for dismantling networks.
Q4: Is the PLA a new group or an established one?
A4: The PLA (People’s Liberation Army) is described in the report as the armed wing of the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) and has been involved in armed insurgency activity for nearly five decades, according to the article.
Q5: What should local residents expect after such operations?
A5: Residents can expect increased security checks and patrols in the short term, followed by attempts by authorities to reassure communities. Cooperation with lawful security measures and prompt reporting of suspicious activity helps authorities maintain momentum while protecting civilians.
