The Manipur Police have arrested six cadres of the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) in connection with extortion activities in the Salungpham area of Thoubal district.
During the operation late on Saturday one of the militants succumbed to injuries after a gunfight with the police.
The police also seized a substantial amount of arms and ammunition from the arrested individuals.
The operation began when the police received intelligence regarding the presence of PREPAK cadres in the area.
Upon reaching the location, they were met with gunfire from the militants, prompting the police to retaliate.
After a brief exchange of fire, the police successfully apprehended six individuals.
One of the arrested, Laishram Prem Singh (18), a resident of Thoubal Khunou, was found to have sustained a bullet wound during the exchange.
He was immediately rushed to Imphal’s Raj Medicity Hospital for medical attention, but he later succumbed to his injuries.
Singh had been reported missing earlier in August 2024, and it was later discovered that he had joined PREPAK and had been residing in Kakching Khunou.
The police identified the arrested militants as Thokchom Momocha, Sarangthem Anand Singh, Ningthoujam Karna, Ningthoujam Manoranjan Singh, Thongam Phalguni, and Moirangthem Johnson.
The police also recovered a large cache of weapons, including rifles, live ammunition, and two four-wheeled vehicles.
It is suspected that these weapons were looted from local armories. Forensic teams and a Magistrate have been called in to assist in the investigation.
In response to the arrests, Meira Paibi, a women’s activist group, staged a protest demanding the unconditional release of the six apprehended individuals, claiming they were village defence volunteers.
The protestors also condemned the death of Laishram Prem and called for an investigation into the incident.
The demonstration, which included women from various parts of the district, resulted in a blockade of the National Highway.
The protestors demanded strict legal action against the police commando responsible for Prem’s death.
The situation remains tense in Thoubal as the police continue their investigation, and the protests show no signs of abating.
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