Summary of the News

Manipur Police arrested a 23-year-old RPF/PLA militant, identified as Thongam Inaoba Meitei alias Lalaba, from Laingoubi Maning Leikai under Kumbi PS, Bishnupur district, on July 15, 2025. He had received 30 days of military training in Myanmar. As part of the operation, police recovered a keypad mobile phone and Airtel SIM from him. The arrest occurred amid a larger security push across Manipur, which included securing 243 essential-supply vehicles on NH-37, establishing 111 checkpoints, detaining four individuals for questioning, and conducting ongoing search and area control operations to curb militant activity

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1. Quick Overview

On 15 July 2025, Bishnupur police arrested Thongam Inaoba Meitei, aka Lalaba, at his home in Laingoubi Maning Leikai. The 23-year-old is a suspected active cadre of the banned RPF/PLA, allegedly trained in Myanmar. He was caught with a keypad mobile phone and Airtel SIM. This took place amid a coordinated state-wide security operation that set up 111 checkpoints, secured 243 essential vehicle convoys along NH-37, and led to four other detentions for questioning

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2. The Arrest in Focus

Imagine you wake up and the police descend—door-to-door, with a mission. That’s basically what went down in Laingoubi village. The Bishnupur police, acting decisively, reached Lalaba’s residence early and conducted the arrest on-site. This swift action—without a firefight—suggests strong intelligence support and careful planning. Finding incriminating material like a mobile phone and SIM card gave immediate leads for interrogation. It wasn’t chaotic; it was calculated.

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3. Who Is Lalaba?

So, who is this “Lalaba”? A 23-year-old active cadre of the RPF/PLA (Revolutionary People’s Front / People’s Liberation Army)—both banned under Indian law. He’s accused of undergoing military training in Myanmar for 30 days. That’s enough time to learn weapon usage, jungle tactics, survival skills—the works. For someone so young, it reflects a level of radicalization and commitment that bothers security agencies and communities alike. It makes you realize the lengths to which these outfits go to recruit and intimidate.

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FAQs

1. What is the RPF/PLA?
They’re proscribed insurgent groups in Manipur seeking separatist goals, banned under Indian law.

2. How significant is the Myanmar training?
Highly significant—it equips cadres with guerrilla warfare, weapon skills, and ideological indoctrination.

3. Are such cross-border trainings common?
Yes. Several NE insurgent groups leverage Myanmar’s terrain and camps for training.

4. Why set up checkpoints away from the arrest site?
To block escape routes, dismantle supply chains, and increase overall surveillance.

5. How will this impact daily life in Manipur?
Improved highway safety, fewer militant attacks, and bolstered public confidence in security forces.

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