Did Security Forces Successfully Stop Militant Recruitment in Manipur?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Imphal, Jan 7 (NationPress) Security forces in Manipur have successfully thwarted an attempt to recruit local youth into the prohibited People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), apprehending two female leaders of the group, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
A police spokesperson revealed that the security forces detained two women leaders of PREPAK in Khangabok village, located in the Thoubal district of the Manipur valley, on Tuesday night.
The detained PREPAK leaders were identified as Khundrakpam Ningthoujam Roshidiya (24) and Lisham Bidya (30).
This arrest was part of an ongoing investigation into the kidnapping of three minors on January 4 from the Kakching Khunou Ngaikhong Leikai area within the Kakching district. These children were abducted to be indoctrinated as recruits for the PREPAK group, but have since been rescued from areas in Imphal West district and returned to their families.
A white Maruti 800 vehicle used during the abduction has been recovered, with efforts underway to capture the accomplices of the arrested PREPAK leaders, the official stated.
Reports indicate that PREPAK has received arms and training in exchange for money from the Kachin Independent Army (KIA) in Myanmar. Earlier reports suggested that the group operated training camps in Bangladesh.
The police also reported the arrest of Nantu Deb (44) from Nepali Khuti, along National Highway-2 in Senapati district. Authorities recovered 11.3 kg of opium, a Bolero vehicle, and two mobile phones from Deb, who is a resident of Mahishashan Village in the Sribhumi district of southern Assam.
Security forces, encompassing both central and state units, are conducting extensive crackdowns against militant activities, with ongoing search operations and area dominations in fringe and vulnerable regions across districts.
A total of 113 checkpoints have been established across Manipur, both in valley and hill districts, to prevent the illegal movement of hostile elements and suspicious vehicles. Additionally, security forces are providing escorts for vehicles carrying essential goods along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37).
Robust security measures and convoy protections remain in place in sensitive areas to ensure the safe transit of vehicles.