Bomb blasts: 8 more suspects arrested
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 21 2019: Imphal West district commandos have arrested 8 more indi-viduals allegedly involved in the recent bomb blasts which occurred in various parts of the State, including the alleged main accused who is responsible for planting/ triggering the bombs as well as a woman who transported arms and explosives.

Briefing media persons at SP Imphal West conference hall today, Themthing Ngasangva, DIG Range I, narrated that on December 19, Imphal West district police received credible information about the present location of some of the accused individuals who are wanted in connection with the recovery of arms and ammunition from KBS brick firm, Patsoi on October 29 .

Bomb blasts: 8 more suspects arrested

Immediately, a team of Imphal West commando, including women police personnel, rushed to Kakching and arrested an accused Irom Thaja alias Lata Devi (29) w/o Hijam Suresh of Langthabal Kunja Heinou Makhong along with 5 other associates namely, Khundom Thoibi Devi (37) w/o Kh Rana alias Amu of Awang Leikinthabi, Ngangom Roshita alias Abe (37) w/o Ng Rajeshor of Awang Leikinthabi, Elangbam Inaobi (54) s/o (L) Ibopishak of Keirak Mayai Leikai, Moirangthem Ratan Meitei (47) s/o M Ibouchou of Kakching Moirangthem Leikai and Sandham Ibomcha (37) s/o (L) Lukhoi of Keirak Khongnang Leikai.

Stating that the arrested individuals are involved in raising funds and providing support to PLA cadres as per the instruction of their commander self styled Major Rishikanta alias Ranbir who is based in Tamu (Myanmar), the DIG continued that during interrogation, Irom Thaja disclosed that she had joined PLA in 2017 through one Basanta of Andro and Manikanta of Jirighat Lakhinagar (Assam) and she is presently working under the command of Rishikanta alias Ranbir.

Irom Thaja disclosed that on October 1, an IED was exploded by Paonam Manikanta Singh alias Amuyaima (31) s/o P Arun Singh of Jirighat Lakhinagar (the main accused in the Sani Mandir blast case of November 5) at Kakching Khongnang Mari Phangba.

She also disclosed that a huge cache of arms and ammunition, including 15 hand grenades, 4 IEDs and 4 pistols which were seized by police from the room of one Hijam Romesh at KBS brick factory, Patsoi, were kept by her to be used by PLA cadres.

The DIG continued that Thaja also revealed that the IED, which was exploded by Manikanta near Sani Mandir injuring five police personnel and a civilian, as well as two IEDs which were recovered from an overground worker of PLA identified as Basanta from Andro on November 17, were transported by her at the instruction of her commander self styled major Rishikanta.

The DIG then conveyed that yesterday, on receiving credible information about the presence of Manikanta near Khuman Lampak area, a combined team of Imphal West commando and a column of 15 Assam Rifles intercepted him near the electricity office, Khuman Lampak, at around 1.50 pm.

On examination, Manikanta disclosed that he is an active cadre/bomb expert of RPF/ PLA and joined the outfit in 2008 through one John of Uripok.

Stating that he is presently working under the command of self styled Major Rishikanta, Manikanta disclosed that he planted and exploded IEDs at Kakching Khongnang Mari Phangba on October 1, Telipati, Imphal East on October 27 and Thangal Bazaar near Sani Mandir on November 5.He also admitted that the IEDs were brought to Imphal from Moreh by Irom Thaja and explained that his commander Rishikanta gave him a sum of Rs 30,000 for triggering the bombs.

Manikanta also revealed that he was instructed to go to Imphal valley and conduct recon in some areas for further planting and triggering of bombs and then proceed to Toloi, Ukhrul for hiding, the DIG informed.

The DIG conveyed that Manikanta disclosed that as per the instruction of his commander, he (Manikanta) came back to Imphal to meet an RPF/PLA member sent by his commander at Pishumthong.

As follow up action based on Manikanta's revelation, police arrested one Thiyam Roshan (44) s/o (L) Tomba of Singjamei Chingamakha Kshetri Leikai, who had been sent to meet Manikanta as per the instruction of self styled Major Rishikanta, from near Pishumthong Manipur College at around 3.40 pm yesterday itself, and then handed over to Imphal PS, the DIG added.

Stating that police are trying to submit charge sheets against the arrested individuals before the Court concerned at the earliest, DIG Themthing Ngasangva informed that till date, police have arrested 18 persons in connection with the bomb blast cases.

On the other hand, the DIG appealed to the leaders of CSOs as well as Khwairamband Ima Keithel Semgat Sagat Lup to refrain from giving comments or statements based on rumour without knowing the actual facts, reasoning that it will create confusion among the people.

He then pointed out that regarding the November 5 IED blast near Sani Mandir, a leader of Khwairamband Ima Keithel Semgat Sagat Lup made a statement claiming that the bomb blast was an attempt to divert public attention from the issues gripping the State.