A case has been registered at the concerned police station, and further investigation is underway. The deceased’s body has been sent to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Science (JNIMS) morgue in Porompat, Imphal East, for necessary procedures.
TFM Report
In a significant operation, Manipur Police engaged in a gunfight with alleged cadres of the proscribed group PREPAK (Pro) in Salungpham Maning Leikai, Thoubal district, on Saturday. The encounter resulted in the death of one cadre and the arrest of six others, along with the recovery of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition.
The Incident
Acting on intelligence about extortion activities in the Salungpham area, a police team approached the location near Salungpham High School at approximately 9:30 a.m. The militants, equipped with automatic weapons, opened fire on the police, who retaliated swiftly.
During the exchange, an 18-year-old cadre, identified as Laishram Prem of Thoubal Khunou Makha Leikai, sustained a bullet injury to his abdomen. Prem, reported missing since August 2024, had joined the militant outfit and was residing in Kakching Khunou. Despite being rushed to Raj Medicity Hospital in Imphal, he succumbed to his injuries.
Arrests and Seizures
The operation led to the arrest of six PREPAK (Pro) cadres:
- Thokchom Momocha alias Sunny, 41, of Heirok Part-II Mayai Leikai.
- Sarangthem Anand Singh alias Malem, 36, of Kakching Khunou Tampakmayum Lai Leikai.
- Ningthoujam Karna Singh alias Pishak, 27, of Samaram Mapi Leikai Maning Laibung.
- Ningthoujam Manoranjan alias Khagemba, 21, of Thinungei Kha Leikai.
- Thongam Phalguni alias Urikpa alias Khoithoi, 27, of Lamphel Sanakeithel.
- Moirangthem Johnson alias Thouna, 21, of Lamphel Kombiei, currently residing at Khoyathong Polem Leikai.
A four-wheeler (registration number MN06LB 8805) was seized during the operation. The recovered arms included:
- Three INSAS rifles with four magazines and 46 live rounds.
- One SLR rifle with two magazines and 25 live rounds.
- One .303 rifle with one magazine and 37 live rounds.
- One AMOGH rifle with a magazine containing 27 live rounds.
Ongoing Investigation
A case has been registered at the concerned police station, and further investigation is underway. The deceased’s body has been sent to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Science (JNIMS) morgue in Porompat, Imphal East, for necessary procedures.