Four Members of Banned Groups Arrested in Manipur's Imphal Districts:

Authorities in Manipur have taken four people suspected to be members of banned groups during raids conducted in Imphal East and Imphal West districts, as per the officials’ reports on Saturday.

After receiving intelligence, police captured two members of the banned Prepak (Pro) group from Seijang Mayai Leikai and Tellou Mamang Leikai in Imphal East on Friday. The two were identified as Khongbantabam Samarjit Meitei (26) and Elangbam Langamba Meitei (25). Officials stated that both were part of the extortion ring.

On Thursday, police arrested two suspects of the banned People’s Liberation Army (PLA) from Langthabal Mantrikhong area within Imphal West district. The suspects have been identified as Joysankar (33) and Moirangthem Nelson (30). These two also had connections to extortion.

Also, the police arrested one supporter of the banned United National Liberation Front (UNLF) on Heigrujam Mamang Leikai in Imphal West on Friday. Officials claimed that during the arrest, he had in his possession two firearms and other ammunition.

Continuing Search for Missing Persons and Recovery of Weapons

Security forces held more search operations at Keipha Road and Khuman areas in Bishnupur district. More arms and ammunitions were recovered. Officials claim that these operations are part of more robust security protocols in place in the area.

Since May 2023, Manipur has been volatile with ethnic conflict between the Kuki-Zo tribes who live in the hills and the Meitei people of Imphal valley. The death toll has increased to 250 and has caused widespread displacement of people within the state.

‘Manipur is under President’s Rule’

With the odds being so bleak, the central governement decided to impose President rule in Manipur from February 13. This came in after the resignation of Chief minister N Biren Singh brought in political chaos in the northeastern state.

Withdrawing power comes with the angering reluctance to legislate, and thus the Ministry of Home Affairs went on to clarify that the ‘Manipur Legislative Assembly’ active until 2027 is in suspended animation.