Four cadres of banned outfits in Manipur arrested, arms and ammunition recovered

Search operations at Keipha road and Khuman area in Bishnupur district led to the recovery of several arms and ammunition. (File photo)

Four members of two proscribed outfits in Manipur were arrested in Imphal East and West districts, police said on Saturday.

Acting on a tip-off, police personnel apprehended two cadres of the banned Prepak (Pro) from Seijang Mayai Leikai and Tellou Mamang Leikai areas in Imphal East district on Friday, a senior officer said.

They have been identified as Khongbantabam Samarjit Meitei (26) and Elangbam Langamba Meitei (25), and are "directly involved in extortion activities", he said.

The police also arrested two members of the outlawed People's Liberation Army from Langthabal Mantrikhong area in Imphal West district on Thursday.

The officer said that the two - Joysankar (33) and Moirangthem Nelson (30) - were also involved in extortion.

One sympathiser of the banned United National Liberation Front (UNLF) was arrested on Friday from Heigrujam Mamang Leikai area in Imphal West district.

Two firearms and ammunition were recovered from his possession, the officer said.

Search operations at Keipha road and Khuman area in Bishnupur district led to the recovery of several arms and ammunition, he said.

The state police and several other security agencies have been conducting search operations in Manipur since the ethnic violence broke out between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups in May 2023.

More than 250 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in the strife-torn Manipur in the last two years.

The Centre had imposed President's rule in Manipur on February 13, days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from his post, leading to political uncertainty in the northeastern state.

The Manipur assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.