Security forces in Manipur have apprehended seven hardcore militants associated with various groups, including a member of the NSCN (IM), and dismantled an inter-state vehicle theft operation within the last 24 hours. The arrested militants, linked to outfits like Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), were captured in Imphal East and Imphal West districts. Authorities seized multiple mobile phones and other incriminating items from the militants.
Among those arrested was an active NSCN (IM) cadre named Lanhungba Khumba (29) in Imphal East district. The police recovered a .32 pistol with ammunition, mobile phones, a charger, and an unregistered two-wheeler from his possession. The arrested individuals were reportedly involved in extorting money from various sectors, including contractors, traders, and government employees.
Additionally, acting on intelligence inputs from Delhi Police, Manipur Police carried out a successful operation against an inter-state vehicle theft ring. With the help of ICICI Lombard Insurance Company and technical support, law enforcement recovered six stolen vehicles from Churachandpur and Imphal West districts. The recovered vehicles have been returned to the respective police stations following legal procedures, with coordination underway to finalize recovery processes with the originating states.
In a related development, a joint team of Manipur Police and CRPF detained Muhammad Juma Khan (39) from Thoubal district, as per a request from Delhi Police’s Crime Branch. Khan, a wanted criminal in multiple serious cases, is a key figure in the inter-state vehicle theft network. Efforts are ongoing to locate and retrieve other stolen vehicles across different parts of the state as part of the operation.
