Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: Security forces and Manipur Police have arrested several alleged extortion operatives linked to proscribed insurgent organisations during a series of coordinated operations conducted across the state over the past 36 hours.
According to police, the crackdown targeted members of the Kangleipak Communist Party-People’s War Group (KCP-PWG), the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), and the Revolutionary People’s Front/People’s Liberation Army (RPF/PLA).
In one operation carried out in Imphal West district, police arrested Thangmangjam Naoba Singh, alias Pamuba, an alleged KCP-PWG member. The 31-year-old, a resident of Mayang Langjing Tamang, was taken into custody from his residence under the jurisdiction of Lamsang Police Station.
In a separate action, security personnel apprehended Konjengbam Diliver Singh, alias Thembung, an alleged PREPAK cadre. The 27-year-old resident of Lousangkhong Makha Leikai was arrested near the exit gate of Imphal International Airport in the Singjamei police station area.
Meanwhile, in a significant breakthrough, Manipur Police, with assistance from the Goa Crime Branch, arrested Nongthombam Krishna, alias Ingo, a self-styled Lieutenant Colonel of the RPF/PLA, in South Goa on June 16.
Police said Krishna had been evading arrest for more than two decades and was wanted in connection with a case registered at Lilong Police Station under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Investigators traced him based on information obtained during the interrogation of two previously arrested PLA cadres, identified as Sanasam Sanamatum alias Tompok and Yengkokpam Premchand.
Following his arrest, a special team from Lilong Police Station brought Krishna to Imphal via Delhi to face further legal proceedings. Authorities believe he played a key role in coordinating extortion activities across Manipur.
The arrests are part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb insurgency-related extortion networks and strengthen law enforcement operations in the state.