Imphal: Security forces have arrested seven people, including four members of a banned outfit, in connection with the hijacking of a truck carrying fish in Manipur’s Imphal West district, police said on Friday.
According to a police statement, four cadres of the proscribed United National Liberation Front (Pambei faction) were apprehended from different locations in Imphal West district on Thursday. The accused allegedly hijacked a truck transporting boxes of iced fish from Maharabi-Pheidinga Road earlier in the day.
The arrested militants have been identified as Borish Sagolsem (25), Herojit Sharma (32), Asem Amar Meitei (20) and Md Salman Khan (35). Police said the hijacked truck, along with the consignment of iced fish, was later recovered. Two tipper trucks reportedly used to shift the fish boxes from the hijacked vehicle were also seized during the operation.
In addition, three other individuals, including the drivers of the seized vehicles, were arrested in connection with the case.
The UNLF(P) had signed a peace agreement with the Centre in 2023. However, law enforcement agencies said its members continue to be arrested for alleged involvement in extortion, criminal activities and illegal arms trafficking.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation on Thursday, security forces recovered 16 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the Kangvai area in Churachandpur district. The explosives were safely defused by a bomb disposal squad.
Police said the IEDs were found a few kilometres from Torbung and Phougakchao Ikhai in Bishnupur district, areas that witnessed indiscriminate firing on Tuesday night. Further investigations in both incidents are underway.
