Five Held in Manipur Anti-Insurgency Crackdown

Imphal: In a series of coordinated operations across Manipur's Imphal West, Imphal East, and Thoubal districts, security forces arrested four suspected insurgents and an arms dealer over two days, officials said on Friday. The key arrest occurred on Thursday in Thoubal, where police apprehended Md. Helan (25), accused of terrorizing locals in Mayang Imphal with firearms. A .32 pistol, dummy weapon, and ammunition were recovered from him near Wednesday Market. In separate operations, three active cadres from banned outfits were detained. Shandham Romen Singh (37) of KCP(PWG) was nabbed in Imphal West for extorting civilians. Loukrakpam Premi Devi (43), allegedly linked to RPF/PLA, was caught in Singjamei for demanding money from government offices and courier services. Thangjam Puremba Singh (26), suspected PREPAK(PRO) cadre, was arrested in Imphal East on Wednesday. All suspects were held without resistance, and mobile phones and IDs were seized. Police have registered cases and launched investigations, reaffirming their resolve to dismantle insurgent networks and curb illegal arms in the region.