Security forces in Manipur have thwarted an effort to enlist local youths into the banned People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and apprehended two female leaders of the group. The arrested individuals, Khundrakpam Ningthoujam Roshidiya (24) and Lisham Bidya (30), were taken into custody from Khangabok village in Thoubal district.
The arrest of these PREPAK leaders comes after an investigation into the abduction of three minors on January 4 from Kakching Khunou Ngaikhong Leikai areas in Kakching district. The children, who were abducted for recruitment purposes by PREPAK, have been rescued and reunited with their families in Imphal West district.
Efforts are underway to apprehend the associates of the detained PREPAK leaders, with the recovery of a white Maruti 800 vehicle used in the kidnapping. Reports suggest that PREPAK has obtained weapons and training from the Kachin Independent Army (KIA) of Myanmar in exchange for money, with previous information indicating training camps operated by the group in Bangladesh.
Security forces have also arrested Nantu Deb (44) from Nepali Khuti in Senapati district, seizing 11.3 kgs of opium, a Bolero car, and two mobile phones from him. The crackdown on militants continues in Manipur, with extensive search operations and area domination drives ongoing in various districts.
