Imphal: Security forces have intensified search operations and area domination exercises across fringe and vulnerable areas of Manipur, resulting in the arrest of four cadres linked to different underground groups and the recovery of arms and ammunition over the past 36 hours, according to a police bulletin issued on Thursday.
An alleged extortionist and active member of the People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), identified as Zabir Khan (26), alias Rohit, a resident of Paobitek Muslim in Imphal West district, was apprehended from Thongkhong Laxmi Bazar under Wangoi police station. A mobile phone and two SIM cards were seized from his possession.
In a separate operation, security personnel arrested an alleged cadre of the proscribed People's Liberation Army (PLA), Nepram Lemba Meitei (24), alias Tomba, from the Khabeisoi area under Heingang police station in Imphal East district.
Two individuals identified as active members of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) were apprehended from Lamlai in Imphal East district. They were identified as Laishom Dandan Meitei (19), alias Nganba, and Leimapokpam Sanjit Singh (54), alias Naobi.
In Thoubal district, security forces recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from Heirok Part-II. The seized items included two No. 36 hand grenades, five magazines of different weapons, and 2,388 rounds of ammunition of varying calibres.
Meanwhile, authorities ensured the movement of 254 vehicles carrying essential commodities along National Highway-37 under heightened security arrangements, with convoys deployed along sensitive stretches to facilitate safe passage.
A total of 115 checkpoints and nakas have been set up across various districts as part of intensified security measures, the police said.