Manipur: Security Forces Nab Four PLA Cadres in 36-Hour Crackdown on Extortion

In an operation spanning 36 hours across multiple districts of Manipur Valley, security forces arrested four suspected members of the banned People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the armed wing of the proscribed Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), police said on Friday.

Among those detained was a self-styled PLA corporal. The group is accused of extorting money from brick field owners, local residents, and quarry workers along the Thoubal River.

Also Read: Manipur Violence: 11 Police, 24 Civilians Killed in 2023, Says NCRB Report

The operation’s first phase took place near RIMS Hospital in Imphal, where forces apprehended two PLA/RPF members: Kayenpaibam Lokendro Singh (58) and Indrajit Ningthoujam (51), alias Angou.

Both were allegedly involved in extorting funds from brick field owners and the general public in the valley. Security forces seized two mobile phones, a wallet containing Rs 1,010, two Aadhaar cards, and a Tata Ace Gold four-wheeler (registration number AS 01NC 1476) from their possession.

Also Read: Manipur: Security Forces Arrest Two Militants, Recover Extorted Funds and Arms

Following leads from the initial arrests, police detained another PLA/RPF member, Wairokpam Sanahal Singh (46), also known as Nongdamba, at his home in Yairipok Khoirom Mathak Leikai, Thoubal district.

He is accused of collecting extortion money from quarry workers along the Thoubal River. Authorities recovered a mobile phone with a SIM card from him.

In the operation’s final phase, security forces arrested a self-styled PLA/RPF corporal, Khundongbam Nandabir Meitei (55), alias Chinglen, in the Heirok Salam Leirak area under Heirok Police Station in Thoubal district.