Female among 7 KCP cadres netted with arms
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 14 2024: A joint team of security arrested seven members of the KCP (Nongdrenkhomba), including a female member, along with seizing arms and vehicles during an operation.

The police have started relevant process to initiate action under the National Security Act (NSA) against the arrested individuals and to hand over the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The arrested cadres have been identified as Henthoibi Moirangthem alias Chan (41) d/o Moirangthem Kumar of Uripok Gopalji Leirak, Loushambam Alin (25) s/o late L Bairon of Singjamei Oinam Thingel, Konsam Rohit (23) s/o Konsam Gonendro of Patsoi Part-I, Sanju Wahengbam alias Lemba (20) s/o late W Sanjoy of Palace Compound Mahabali Mamang, Phanjoubam Thoiba Mangang alias Malemnganba (26) s/o late Jiten of Thongju Part-II but presently residing at Wangkhei Tokpam Leikai, Waikhom Hero (21) s/o W Iboyaima of Takhel Mamang Leikai and Yanglem Vikash alias Amujao (23) s/o late Y Hemanta of Singjamei Yanglem Leikai.

Briefing the media at his office conference hall, on Monday, Imphal West SP Ksh Shivakanta confided that acting on a tip-off about KCP (Nongdrenkhomba) members planning extortion and other unlawful activities in Langol Game Village Zone-II area, a joint team of Imphal West district police commandos and central forces conducted a search operation leading to arrest of seven active members of the group, including a female.

The police recovered a Toyota Fortuner (MN06LA-7346) along with five number plates bearing registration number ASC1DE9075 (two plates), WB961-3237 (two plates) and another bearing MN04G2800 .

Further searched in the area led to the recovery of a Hyundai Grand i10 (MN01AG-8516), a numberless Royal Enfield Classic 360, one magazine with two rounds of 7.65mm, a pistol with magazine, camouflage uniforms, and other equipment, as well as mobile phone.

The arrested cadres, along with the recovered vehicles, arms and ammunition, have been handed over to Lamphel police station for legal action.

SP Shivakanta further informed that police are investigating whether the arrested KCP (Nongdrenkhomba) members were involved in the recent bomb attack at the shop of RK Ichanthoi, who they also attempted to abduct.

He said the Toyota Fortuner seized during the operation is suspected to be the same vehicle used in the abduction attempt.

Asserting that the police are taking proactive steps to curb rising cases of extortion by armed groups exploiting the current unrest situation in the state, he also revealed that Imphal West district police has so far arrested 11 individuals involved in extortion activities over the past few days, including some who had apprehended earlier in other cases.

Efforts are on to initiate action against these individuals under the National Security Act (NSA).

Most of the arrested persons have been using firearms to intimidate others for personal gain through steady source of income, though illegal.

The police officer also mentioned that police have initiated process to transfer cases of extortion and abduction to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

He asked those involved in such illegal activities to cease immediately, while cautioning that defying that ignoring the advice could lead to unwanted consequences.

He also urged parents to ensure that their children do not engage in such unlawful activities and appealed to the public to promptly report any such incidents to the police, while assuring that identity of informers would be kept strictly confidential.

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