In a significant operation, security forces in Manipur have apprehended two active women members of a banned militant organization and successfully rescued three abducted minors. The arrests are linked to a disturbing case of alleged child kidnapping intended for forced recruitment into the insurgent group.
Details of the Abduction and Arrests
According to officials, the incident unfolded when three children were reported kidnapped on Sunday from the Kakching Khunou Ngaikhong Leikai area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Waikhong police station in Kakching district. Acting swiftly on the complaint, Manipur Police launched an investigation that led to the arrests on Monday.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Khundrakpam Ongbi Ningthoujam Roshidiya (24) from Khangabok Khulakpam Leikai in Thoubal district, and Lisham Ongbi Bidya (30) from Thoubal Haokha Maning Leikai, also in Thoubal district. Both are alleged to be active cadres of the proscribed People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK).
Preliminary investigations indicate that the children were taken with the specific intent of inducting them into the militant outfit. This highlights a grave concern regarding the targeting of youth by such groups in the region.
Successful Rescue and Ongoing Investigation
In a commendable follow-up action, security personnel managed to locate and safely rescue all three children from Uchiwa Awang Leikai in Imphal West district. The minors were subsequently reunited with their relieved parents.
During the operation, forces also recovered a car that was reportedly used in the commission of the kidnapping. Authorities have confirmed that efforts are actively underway to track down and arrest other accomplices believed to be involved in this abduction and recruitment attempt.
Separate Drug Bust in Senapati
In an unrelated operation conducted on Tuesday, security forces made a major narcotics seizure in the state. They arrested a drug peddler identified as Nantu Deb (44), a resident of Assam's Karimganj district.
The arrest took place from Nepali Khuti along National Highway-2, under the Senapati police station. From Deb's possession, security personnel confiscated a substantial 11.3 kilograms of opium, along with a vehicle and two mobile phones. This bust underscores the continued vigilance against drug trafficking networks operating in the area.
These twin operations—one targeting militant-linked child abduction and the other a significant drug haul—demonstrate the multifaceted challenges and ongoing efforts of security forces in maintaining law and order in Manipur.
