Manipur security sweep: Multiple arrests, arms and ammo seized

IMPHAL: Security forces intensified search operations across Manipur, arresting four people allegedly involved in extortion and other criminal activities, police said. According to a Manipur Police press note, one of those arrested was Sagolsem Joychandra Singh (47), an extortionist and active cadre of PREPAK (Pro), picked up from Kongba Nandeibam Leikai in Imphal East district. In a separate operation, Seram Manimatum Meetei (20), an active cadre of PREPAK, was arrested from Senjam Khunou Mayai Leikai in Imphal West district. Another arrest was made in Kakching district, where security forces nabbed Takhelambam Mohen Singh, an extortionist cadre of KYKL, from the Kakching Lamkhai area under Kakching police station limits. On Friday, forces also arrested Sorokhaibam Rosses (40), a lieutenant of UNLF (K), from the Canchipur area in Imphal West district. During further operations, security forces recovered mortars and two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the general area of Yangoubung along the Indo-Myanmar border in Tengnoupal district. The explosives were later destroyed in situ by the bomb disposal team, police said. Additionally, a joint team of security forces and the forest department destroyed around 70 acres of illegal poppy cultivation at Sihai hill in Ukhrul district. Four huts found at the plantation site were also burnt and destroyed, police added. “A total of 114 nakas/checkpoints were installed in different districts of Manipur, both in the hills and the valley; none were detained. Movement of 303 vehicles carrying essential items along NH-37 has been ensured. Strict security measures are taken up in all vulnerable locations, and a security convoy is provided in sensitive stretches in order to ensure free and safe movement of the vehicles,” police said in a statement. Earlier, Manipur Police organised a one-day training programme on the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) at the auditorium hall of the New Manipur Police Headquarters at Mantripukhri, with assistance from the NATGRID team under the Ministry of Home Affairs, as per the directions of Union home minister Amit Shah. The programme aimed to familiarise officers with NATGRID’s features and operational scope to enable better intelligence sharing and data-driven investigations. Around 150 officers from various units participated in the programme, both physically and via video conferencing, police said.