On Sunday, security forces in Imphal West district, Manipur, arrested four active cadres of various outfits, including the UNLF (Pambei) and SOREPA, accused of extortion. Authorities reported that two individuals connected to the UNLF (Pambei) were apprehended near Keystone Infra Pvt Ltd, in Sekmai. They were identified as Ningthoujam Nongpoknganba Meitei (31) and Konthoujam Nelson Singh alias Thomba (23), with items like a Maruti Swift vehicle, four mobile phones, a sling bag, and two identity cards seized from them. Notably, UNLF (Pambei) had signed a peace agreement with the Centre earlier in 2023, yet some members remain involved in illegal activities.
In separate incidents, two extortionists belonging to SOREPA were also arrested in different locations within Imphal West. Chungkham Nanao Macha alias Mitlang (24) was detained in the Ningthemkol area, while Arambam Thoithoi Singh (41) was caught near the Imphal Airport entrance gate. Authorities confiscated a two-wheeler, cash totaling Rs 3,90,500, three mobile phones, and two Aadhaar cards from these individuals.
Additionally, during a search operation, security forces discovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition in Ngairangbam Mayai Lambi Loukon, under the jurisdiction of Patsoi police station in Imphal West. The recovered items included two single-barrel guns, a stun grenade, a smoke grenade, one 36-HE grenade without a detonator, an empty magazine for an SMG (Carbine), fifty-four rounds of ammunition, and two radio sets.