Imphal: In the last day, Manipur’s security forces detained four hard‑line militants from the banned People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), one each from Imphal East and Thoubal. Officials also opened five chargesheets for harassment of cultural groups.
A police spokesperson said the extremists had been involved in a range of offenses, from coercively demanding subscriptions from government staff, contractors, traders, and ordinary citizens.
Among those arrested was 27‑year‑old Akoijam Univers Meitei, known as Lukhoi, who had been recruiting new members for PREPAK. Vehicle theft, especially of small cars and two‑wheelers, remains a common problem in the state.
Separately, the Manipur Police detained Md. Asad (29) from the Kwakeithel Sangaiprou Mamang Leikai area of Imphal West on suspicion of kidnapping a car; the vehicle has since been recovered.
The police also logged five cases linked to threats against participants of the Sumang Leela Associations and other performers at the recent Manipur Sangai Festival 2025, involving insurgent factions. The cases span Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal and Kakching Districts. Investigations are ongoing, and three militants have already been taken into custody.
Law enforcement assured that any attempts to intimidate or disrupt cultural events will be met with severe penalties. After a two‑year break, the 10‑day Sangai Tourism Festival returned to Hapta Kangjeibung in Imphal from 21 to 30 November.
Before the festival, several violence‑affected Internally Displaced People (IDPs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), among them the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI)—an umbrella of Meitei civil society groups—called for a work‑stop strike. They urged people to boycott the event and organized protests, arguing that the festival’s arrival signals a return to normalcy and that camps should be closed.
Security forces continue aggressive operations, conducting searches and maintaining dominance in fringe, mixed‑population and vulnerable zones across districts. A total of 113 checkpoints have been set up in both valley and hill areas to curb illegal movement of hostile elements and suspicious vehicles.
They also escort essential goods trucks along the Imphal‑Jiribam National Highway (NH‑37), with stringent security and convoy protection measures in place to ensure safe transit.
Police cautioned the public against believing rumors and warned about the spread of fake videos online. “The authenticity of any circulating videos or audio clips can be verified at the Central Control Room. Sharing or posting false material on social media will lead to legal action,” the statement read.
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