IMPHAL, February 16: A combined team of Imphal East Commandoes and 16 Assam Rifles arrested one RPF cadre namely, Yaithengbam Punshi Singh alias Iano (34) son of Y Apabi singh of Kanguchingjin from Nongda Waiting Shed on 14 February at about 7.25 p.m. One hand grenade and one mobile phone (Nokia-C2) along with one Airtel SIM Card were recovered from his possession. On verification, he stated that he joined the RPF through one S/S Lieutenant Alen of Heirok in the year 2007 as People Militia (PM).
On the same day another RPF cadre namely Thangjam Shanta Singh alias Lenin (41) son of Th Tombi of Pungdongbam Mayai Leikai was also arrested from his house. One mobile phone (Samsung-GT-E 1081T) along with one Airtel SIM Card was recovered from his possession. On verification, he stated that he joined RPF in the year 2009 through one (L) Yaithenngbam Jiten singh of Kanguchingjin who is also the elder brother of Punshi. He confessed that they were involved in several cases of firing upon non-Manipuris, among which one of the notable incident is the incident of firing on Mr Lal Deva Podda (45) son of Ram Babu Podda of Sawombung Kabui Khul originally from Patepur Village, Bihar.
The release also said that a team of Imphal East commandos also arrested one UNLF cadre namely, Khaidem Premkumar alias Shangai Ningthou Meitei (33) son of Kh Gunamani Meitei of Ningel Awing Leikai from Nungaipokpi near Waiting shed on 15 February. On verification, he stated that he joined UNLF in the year 2012 through his younger brother Toyamba and he was involved in the extortion of money from the general public, govt officials, private firms etc and through transportation of arms and ammunition.
Meanwhile, in a separate press release, the PRO IGAR (S) has said that discovering the movement of UG cadres in Nongda and Puydngbam Mayai Leikai, troops of 16 Assam Rifles of 10 Sector under HQ IGAR (South) launched operation in the area and apprehended two PLA/RPF cadre on 15 Feb 2013. They were identified as Yaithengbam Punshi alias Inao Imo, (33) S/o Y Apabi, of Keibi Awang Leikai; and Thangjan Shanta Singh alias Lener (42) of Pungdongbam Mayai Leikai District . One Hand Grenade (Chinese Made), one Nokia Hand Set with Aircel SIM card and One Samsung Mobile Set with Airtel SIM card were recovered from the them as per the release which added that the two cadres have been handed over to Lamlai Police station.