Manipur Police Arrest Three PREPAK (Pro) Cadres in Anti-Insurgency Raids
Summary of the News
In a well-coordinated anti-insurgency operation on the night of July 22, 2025, Manipur Police swooped down on three separate hideouts in Imphal West, resulting in the arrest of alleged cadres from the banned People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Progressive), commonly known as PREPAK (Pro). The first detainee, Wangkhem Amarjit Meitei (31), also called “Tang” or “Lamyanba,” led the police to two more associates—Laishram Pangamba Meitei (“Mexico,” 31) and Khangenbam Ricky Meitei (“Yaiphaba,” 27). Authorities seized mobile phones and wallets, booked all three under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and transferred them to the relevant police stations for further legal action.
The Operation Unveiled: Step by Step
The Tip-Off
Every good sting starts with a piece of the puzzle. In this case, it was Wangkhem Amarjit Meitei—alias “Tang” and “Lamyanba”—who had been under discreet surveillance. Local informants reported unusual activity around his Chingmeirong Maning Leikai home, prompting authorities to zero in.
The First Arrest
Under the cloak of darkness, Lamphel Police Station teams surrounded Amarjit’s residence on July 22. Within minutes, officers detained him, conducting a swift search that turned up two mobile phones and three wallets bearing suspicious inscriptions—an indication of illicit fund channels.
The Unraveling Thread
Now imagine pulling a loose thread on a sweater—what seemed minor quickly unravels the whole garment. Amarjit’s interrogation revealed the identities and locations of two fellow operatives, setting the stage for the second wave of raids.
Rounds Two and Three
Within hours, Lamshang Police Station personnel acted on Amarjit’s disclosures, arresting Laishram Pangamba Meitei (“Mexico”) in Haorang Keirel Makha Leikai and Khangenbam Ricky Meitei (“Yaiphaba”) in Lamshang Taothong Ayungba Mamang Leikai. Both men were apprehended without resistance, underscoring the precision of the tip-off.
Meet the Detainees: Portraits Behind the Headlines
Wangkhem Amarjit Meitei (Tang/Lamyanba), 31
- Residence: Chingmeirong Maning Leikai, Imphal West
- Role: Alleged local recruiter and logistics coordinator
- Nicknames & Notoriety: Known as “Lamyanba” among inner circles for his penchant for rapid mobilization
Laishram Pangamba Meitei (Mexico), 31
- Residence: Haorang Keirel Makha Leikai, Imphal West
- Role: Reportedly managed safe houses and arms stashing
- Moniker: “Mexico”—a cryptic code name believed to reference cross-border connections
Khangenbam Ricky Meitei (Yaiphaba), 27
- Residence: Lamshang Taothong Ayungba Mamang Leikai, Imphal West
- Role: Communications and intelligence gatherer
- Alias Insight: “Yaiphaba” loosely translates to “one who roams,” hinting at his scouting duties
Conclusion: More Than Just an Arrest
The July 22 operation stands out not merely for the number of cadres detained, but for what it symbolizes: a maturing counter-insurgency strategy, a community ready to collaborate, and a government balancing hard and soft power. Yet, the journey toward lasting peace in Manipur is a marathon, not a sprint. Each arrest is a milestone, but the real victory will come when the conditions that breed insurgency—economic disparity, political disenfranchisement, and social alienation—are addressed head-on.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is PREPAK (Pro) and how did it originate?
PREPAK (Pro) is a splinter faction of the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak, formed due to ideological and leadership disputes. While both share the goal of Manipuri self-determination, the (Pro) wing is known for more aggressive tactics, including extortion and arms smuggling. - What does arrest under the UAPA entail?
Being booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act allows authorities to detain suspects longer, restrict bail, and investigate financial and communicative links to terrorist or secessionist activities, making legal proceedings more stringent. - How do these arrests impact the broader security situation in Manipur?
Targeted captures disrupt insurgent operations by dismantling leadership networks and safe-house systems. However, long-term stability requires parallel socio-economic reforms and community trust-building. - Are there efforts to rehabilitate former insurgents in Manipur?
Yes. Both state and central agencies have initiated rehabilitation programs focusing on vocational training, education, and counseling. Yet, critics argue that more resources and community involvement are needed for these programs to succeed. - What challenges do security forces face in counter-insurgency operations?
Manipur’s challenging terrain, socio-economic disparities, and occasional mistrust between locals and law enforcement complicate intelligence gathering and operations. Overcoming these hurdles demands a balanced approach—combining tactical precision with grassroots community engagement.
