Two Members of Banned UNLF Arrested in Manipur

PTI, IMPHAL, NOVEMBER 25, 2024 : Two active members of the proscribed United National Liberation Front (Pambei Group) were arrested in Manipur's Imphal East district on November 23 for allegedly being involved in extortion, police said on Monday. The arrested individuals, identified as Thoudam Ibungobi Meitei and Chanam Rashini Chanu, were apprehended in the Khurai Ahongei Labuk Leirak area, according to a police statement.

Arms and ammunition, a wireless radio set, and a mobile phone were recovered from their possession, the statement added. Despite signing a peace agreement with the central government in 2023, members of the outlawed UNLF (Pambei Group) have continued to engage in extortion, a police officer revealed.

In a separate operation, police also recovered arms and ammunition during a search in Lunkhongjang, Kangpokpi district.

The violence between the Meitei community in the Imphal Valley and the Kuki-Zo groups from the adjoining hills has resulted in the deaths of more than 250 people and displaced thousands since May last year. Tensions flared following the disappearance of three women and three children from a Meitei community relief camp in Jiribam district after a gunfight between security forces and suspected Kuki-Zo militants on November 11. The bodies of the missing individuals were later discovered over the past few days.