Seven cadres of the proscribed Peoples’ Liberation Army (PLA) allegedly planning to plant explosive devices at various government installations and target security forces in Thoubal district and other districts of Manipur on the eve of the upcoming Independence Day were apprehended by teams of Commando Thoubal and 16 Assam Rifles on Saturday.
Police said that they were involved in killing of two non-Manipuris recently.
According to police, they received a tip-off from 4 AR around 8.30 am on Saturday about the plan to plant explosives under the instructions of one-self styled lieutenant colonel of the PLA Rishikanta.
Immediately, teams of Commando Thoubal and a column of 16 AR led by additional SP (Ops) O Wangkhomba and assisted by OC Commando Thoubal inspector N Sadananda under the supervision of SP Thoubal Jogeshchandra Haobijam rushed towards Yairipok Bazaar and conducted a cordon and search operation to trace the location of the explosive devices.
Later, a day-long operation was conducted at various locations in Thoubal, Imphal East, Imphal West and Kakching Districts, during which the PLA cadres were arrested.
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The arrested persons have been identified as Chingakham Basanta Singh, 38, alias Khambaton son of Ch Ningthembi Singh of Andro Khuman Nungyumbi; Moirangthem Jitesh, 22, son of Moirangthem Sanjit of Kakching Nongthou Leikai; Konjengbam Romeo, 28, son of Konjengbam Raghu Singh of Moirang Kanjengbam Maning Leikai, presently residing at Awang Sekmai Koujengleima;
Phanjoubam Rabi alias Luwangamba, 26, son of P Kula Singh of Andro Labaojam Ching Leikai; Salam Mangijao, 55, son of (L) Salam Tombi Singh of Kakching Wairi Salam Leikai; Naorem Manoj, 23, son of Naorem Nobin Singh of Luker Mayai Leikai, Imphal West; Samurailatpam Akash alias Muston Sharma, 19, son of S Rajeswor Sharma of Kakching Wairi Saban Bamon Leikai.
From their possession, one Smith and Wesson 9 mm pistol with magazine; one Beretta 9 mm pistol with magazine; 35 live rounds of 9 mm ammunition; two hand grenades were seized.
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A child in conflict of law in connection with the case has also been apprehended by the team and placed under the charge of the designated child welfare police officer of Yairipok Police station.
Further, during enquiry, it was revealed that under the instructions of Rishikanta, they have been targeting non-local people in all the valley districts and are involved in committing the following recent crimes, such as the killing of one non-local at Kakching on June 23 and the killing of one non-local at Andro Huikap, Imphal East on July 8, according to police.
Later, the arrested persons and seized items have been handed over to Yairipok Police station and after observing due formalities, a case has been registered at Yairipok Police station.
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