Imphal, June 25: Security forces in Manipur have arrested several individuals linked to arms smuggling, extortion, and militant activities during a series of coordinated operations across the state, said officials on Wednesday.
According to officials, the operations were launched based on credible intelligence to dismantle criminal and insurgent networks. “On June 24, we successfully busted an inter-state gang involved in illegal arms trade. The gang had been operating secretly in the Greater Imphal area,” said a senior police officer. “We have arrested four persons, including a known cadre of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF-P).”
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Police said the arrested persons were in possession of several high-end firearms, including Smith & Wesson, Sig Sauer, Glock, JD Taurus, and Beretta pistols, along with over 150 rounds of live ammunition.
In a separate operation, three active cadres of UNLF (P) were arrested from Babupara, Imphal West, for allegedly extorting money from government employees and contractors. “They were threatening people to secure contract work. We recovered weapons, ammunition, mobile phones, cash, and ID documents from them,” the officer added.
In Thoubal district, Md. Islam Khan (29), a suspected cadre of UNLF (Ningolmacha), was arrested from Lilong Hangamthabi for extorting money from shops and government offices. Police recovered a mobile phone and personal documents from him.
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Another arrest was made in Imphal West, where PREPAK (Pro) cadre Thoudam Johnjackson Singh was detained from his residence at Liwa Road, Ahongshangbam Leikai. A mobile phone and ID were seized, the police said.
“All the arrested individuals will be produced before the court. Investigations are ongoing to trace more links in the arms and insurgent network,” the police further said.
“We are committed to cracking down on anyone involved in illegal activities, and our operations will continue,” the police added.
Security forces remain on high alert, with ongoing search operations in vulnerable areas of the valley and hill districts.
(Newmai News Network)