IMPHAL, Aug 23: Five hardcore cadres of a newly floated militant organization jointly formed by the Meitei Tangkhul, Kabui called “Manipur National Liberation Front” (MNLF) under the chairmanship of one Nobin alias Khuman of Tumukhong Moirang Purel Imphal east district, along with one 1st Indian Reserve Battalion personnel presently attached to CDOs Imphal east were arrested by the Bishnupur district commandos during the last 24 hours on searching and frisking operation from Malom Tuliyama Awang Leikai under Nambol police station and huge numbers of demand letters bearing logo of MNLF signed by one S/S Finance secy. Nganthoi Meitei, one Santro and five numbers of mobile handsets with SIM cards which were used by them in their extortion campaign were also recovered.
The arrested cadres were identified as Mathurabastimayum Tarjit Sharma alias Tombapu alais Tomba, 42 years, son of MB Gurachandra Sharma of Kongba Khetri Leikai, S/S Finance commander of the four valley districts, Kongkham Birkumar Singh alias Bebe, 34 years, son of K. Rajendro Singh of Haobam Marak Keisam Leikai, Nigthoujam Ranjit Singh, 42, son of N. Chandra Singh of Thanga Salam Leikai, Kongjengbam Inaobi alias Basanta, 45 years, son of Late Modhu Singh of Wangkhei Khunou and Thoudam Premchandra Singh, 38 years, son of Th Mangi Singh of Toubul Mayai Leikai.
While briefing mediapersons, SP Bishnupur disclosed that after specific information of some suspected joint militants groups like PLA, KYKL (MDF) and some other groups planning to conduct some frightening things inside the general public area in name of this newly floated MNLF, the operation was conducted by the Bishnupur commandos in last 24 hrs as part of preventive measures in Bishnupur district.
He further said that the motive of such newly formed militant organizations are only extortion, to give disturbances to general public and their first priority is to drive fund by making afraid the people. The SP Bishnupur appealed to the general public of the state as well the district to be aware of such organizations.
He further said that as per preliminary interrogation, the cadres disclosed that the outfit had served demand letters to about 20 officials of the state and among today’s recovered demand letters, extortion letter to Director JNIMS, Director Education (U) Chief Engineer CAU, Chief Engineer CADA, Chief Engineer power department, Director MOBC, Director Planning department, Director FCI department, Director Khadi and Industry, Director Education (S) etc were also included along with some blank letterheads of the outfit.
In the meantime in this regard the Nambol police station has registered a case for further investigation.