Source: Imphal Free Press
IMPHAL, Sep 18: In a major breakthrough, Imphal West district police today claimed to have arrested a RPF/PLA cadre involved in covert killings of non-Manipuris in the recent past.
The arrested militant has been identified as one Nongmeikapam Naoba alias Nanao alias Shankar, 28, son of Bidhu Singh of Koirou, Thongju Part II.
Naoba was produced before mediapersons today at the office of the SP Imphal West.
Speaking to mediapersons during the press conference, AK Jhaljit Singh, additional SP Imphal West said Naoba was arrested by a team of Imphal West CDO on September 17 at about 1 pm from the residence of N Sobhapati of Kakwa Naorem Leikai.
Jhaljit also stated that Naoba’s arrest and his revelation has established that the proscribed RPF/PLA has been undertaking covert killings of non-Manipuris in the recent past including the killing of Mohon Shah, 45, son of late Madhop Shah of Lua village, Khagaria district, Bihar, who was killed on August 24 at Wahengbam Leikai.
The other incidents are shooting of one Sandeep Sahu, 16, son of Laxman of Pibrahiya Sapra district, Bihar who was shot at on September 9 at about 7 pm at Hodam Leirak and that of shooting of one Rajendra Rajak, 40, son of Matishwor Rajak of Arawol district, Bihar, who was shot at Takhel Leikai on September 16 at about 6.30 pm.
The police officer further stated that RPF/PLA has been indulging in secret killings under the command of one S/S Maj Thounaojam Romen Singh alias Romen Luwangcha alias Robin, 42, son of Netra of Naoremthong Khullem Leikai who is presently holding the post of administrative/liaison officer of RPF/PLA.
Naoba executed the task of killing non-Manipuris by using sympathizers/peoples militias namely Gurumayum Gunadhor Sharma alias Khamba, 30, son of late Madhumangol of Saiton Konjil, at present residing at Singjamei Sapam Leikai and one Abung.
Jhaljit further stated that further questioning of Naoba has established that Major Robin gave the instruction to kill non-Manipuris at any opportune moment using local people militia or sympathizers, drug addicts so that RPF/PLA can deny later in the event of arrest of killers by the police.
The additional SP Imphal West also stated that four sympathizers/harbourers were also arrested in follow up operations. They are Soibam Rocket, 40, son of late Jugeshwor Singh of Singjamei Thongam Leikai, Naorem Sobhabati alias Inao, 40, wife of Bhume Meitei of Kakwa Norem Leikai, Naorem Graphi Chanu alias Dede, 21, daughter of Bhume of Kakwa Naorem Leikai and Naorem Rina Chanu alias Ibeyaibi, 32, daughter of Joy Meitei of Kakwa Naorem Leikai.
The police officer also said that a self styled 2nd Lt. of the RPF/PLA (No. 1170) namely Phanjoubam Abung Meitei alias Nabachandra Singh alias Ramesh alias Sanajaoba, 34, son of Bira of Andro Mamang Leikai was also arrested on September 14 at Nagamapal Laimayum Leirak. Abung was deputed at Imphal for making arrangement for the forthcoming 32nd Raising Day of PLA on September 25.