In a major crackdown on underground militant activity, security forces arrested five militants — including two juveniles — belonging to two different proscribed outfits from Manipur’s Imphal East district on Sunday, police confirmed.
Arrests Linked to PREPAK and KCP (PWG)
In a focused operation at Keirao Khunou, three active members of the banned People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) were apprehended. Among them, Laishram Vishan Meitei (28) has been formally identified, while the other two accused are juveniles. The authorities have stated that the juvenile suspects will be handled in accordance with the Juvenile Justice Act.
In a separate raid carried out at Keibi Heikak Mapan Awang Leikai, two active militants from the Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) — identified as S Musha Ahamed (40) and Md. Farooque Shah (25) — were taken into custody. The duo was reportedly involved in extortion and was caught red-handed while attempting to collect extortion money.
Details of the Arrested Individuals
| Name | Age | Affiliation | Location of Arrest | Activity Involved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laishram Vishan Meitei | 28 | PREPAK | Keirao Khunou | Active cadre |
| Juvenile (Name Withheld) | — | PREPAK | Keirao Khunou | Active cadre (juvenile) |
| Juvenile (Name Withheld) | — | PREPAK | Keirao Khunou | Active cadre (juvenile) |
| S Musha Ahamed | 40 | KCP (PWG) | Keibi Heikak Mapan Awang Leikai | Extortion activity |
| Md. Farooque Shah | 25 | KCP (PWG) | Keibi Heikak Mapan Awang Leikai | Extortion activity |
Juveniles Handled Under Legal Protection
Authorities reiterated their commitment to protecting the rights of minors, stating that the two juvenile suspects are being processed under the legal safeguards provided by the Juvenile Justice framework, and no details revealing their identity have been made public.
Ongoing Crackdown on Militancy
The arrests are part of a continued effort by security forces and law enforcement agencies in Manipur to curb the activities of banned insurgent groups that often resort to extortion, threats, and violence to fund their operations.
A police spokesperson said, “We are maintaining zero tolerance towards illegal militant activity. The public is also cooperating, and we urge anyone with information to come forward.”
Investigations into the networks and possible handlers of the arrested individuals are ongoing.