Imphal, June 25, 2025: In a major security breakthrough, Manipur Police carried out intelligence-based combing operations and cordon-and-search operations across the state on June 24, resulting in the arrest of multiple individuals involved in arms smuggling, extortion, and insurgent activities. The operations dismantled a clandestine inter-state arms network and led to significant seizures of illegal weapons and materials.
Crackdown on Inter-State Arms Smuggling Gang in Greater Imphal
An organized gang involved in illegal arms trade across multiple states was busted in the Greater Imphal area, leading to the arrest of four individuals:
1. Sinam Somendro Meitei (43) alias Pankhei alias Richards, Thangmeiband, Imphal West – cadre of UNLF (P)
2. Lanchemba Nongthomba (24), Nongmeibung Ayangpalli, Imphal East
3. R.K. Abothe Singh (33) alias Rohit, Singjamei Chirom Leikai, Imphal West
4. Bishwanath Thokchom (21), Kongpal Mutum Leikai, Imphal East
Items recovered from their possession include:
• 1x Smith & Wesson Pistol (9mm) with 2 magazines (24 rounds)
• 1x Smith & Wesson 9mm with 1 magazine (10 rounds)
• 1x Sig Sauer Pistol (9mm) with 1 magazine (15 rounds)
• 1x Glock 19 with 2 magazines (28 rounds)
• 1x JD Taurus Pistol (7.65mm) with 1 magazine (8 rounds)
• 1x Falcon Cal 7.62mm Pistol with 1 magazine (9 rounds)
• 1x M-20 Falcon Pistol with 1 magazine
• 1x Keltec Pistol (.32mm) with 2 magazines (15 rounds)
• 1x Beretta Pistol with 1 magazine (2 rounds)
• 1x Glock Pistol (.32 calibre) with 1 magazine
• 159 rounds of .32mm pistol ammunition
• 3 mobile phones
• 4 wireless handsets
Three UNLF(P) Cadres Arrested for Extortion from Babupara
In a separate operation in Babupara, Imphal West, police arrested three active cadres of UNLF (P) for threatening government employees and extorting money in exchange for contracts:
1. Konthoujam Opendro Singh (46) alias Ibomcha, Mongsangei Awang Leikai, Imphal West
2. Tokpam Tomcha Singh (55), Wangkhei Tokpam Leikai, Imphal East
3. Keithellakpam Saratchandra Mangang (53), Khurai Soibam Leikai Ahongei Leirak, Imphal East
Recovered items include:
• 2x 9mm pistols with 2 magazines
• 1x .32 pistol with 1 magazine loaded with 4 rounds of 7.65mm ammunition
• 8 rounds of 9mm ammunition
• 4 mobile phones
• 1 brown wallet
• ₹3,800/- in cash
• 2 Aadhaar cards
• 1 black side bag
• 1 TVS NTORQ scooter (red and black) with key
PREPAK (Pro) Cadre Arrested in Imphal West
An active cadre of PREPAK (Pro) was arrested from his residence in Liwa Road Ahongshangbam Leikai under Singjamei Police Station, Imphal West:
• Thoudam Johnjackson Singh (42) alias John alias Hemjit
Seized items:
• 1 mobile phone with 1 Airtel SIM card
• 1 Aadhaar card
UNLF (Ningolmacha) Cadre Held in Thoubal
Security forces also arrested Md. Islam Khan (29) alias Atappa, an active cadre of UNLF (Ningolmacha) from Lilong Hangamthabi, Thoubal District. He was allegedly involved in extortion and issuing monetary threats to civilians and government establishments in Thoubal.
Seized items:
• 1 mobile phone with 1 Jio SIM card
• 1 Aadhaar card
ALSO READ: Major Arms Haul in Manipur, Multiple Militants Arrested in Statewide Security Crackdown
Ongoing Counter-Insurgency and Crime Prevention Drive
Manipur Police emphasized that these operations are part of a larger crackdown on organized crime and insurgent-backed extortion networks. The recovery of such a large cache of high-grade arms and ammunition underscores the persistent threat posed by underground elements and the commitment of security forces to maintain law and order in the state.
