Manipur: KCP, PLA deny links to recent arrests, refute bomb plot allegations

Imphal: Two powerful underground groups mainly operating in the Manipur Valley districts have refuted the allegations made by the Manipur Police and Assam Rifles concerning anti-social activities in the state.

Proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) Secretary-in-Charge, Information and Publicity, S. Mangal, in a statement issued on Sunday, refuted any connection whatsoever with the three persons arrested by security forces on the charges of being members of the outfit and plotting to trigger bomb blasts during the ongoing Manipur Sangai Festival 2025.

Laishram Sonia (31), a resident of Okram Chuthek, Imphal East; Salam Luwanganba Meitei, also called Ibungo (22), of Tera Sadokpam Leikai, Imphal West; and Phamdom Phampok Meitei, alias Ajoy, also known by the name Abungcha (29), of Wangjing Bazar, Thoubal district, were reportedly arrested by a combined team of Manipur Police and Assam Rifles a few days back.

However, the KCP stated that the three persons are not cadres of the KCP, clarifying that the Facebook account 'Meitei Lanmi Naotyboy' is not an official party account.

It stated that the KCP does not authorise anyone related to the party to trigger bomb blasts at public places.

It further stated that if anyone is misusing the party's name on Facebook and other social media platforms, the party will take necessary action against them.

Similarly, the outlawed People's Liberation Army, the armed wing of the banned Revolutionary People's Front (PLA/RPF), also issued a statement signed by its Assistant Publicity Secretary, Bangkim.

It stated that Yumnam Tomba (56), of Mayai Leikai, Kakching district, who was reportedly arrested by security forces at the Kakching police station checkpoint, as shared on the Manipur Police WhatsApp group on November 22, has no connection with RPF or its armed wing, PLA.