Two PREPAK rebels arrested in Manipur during Martyrs' Day observance

Imphal: Security forces arrested two suspected cadres of the proscribed People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) for alleged involvement in extortion activities in Manipur’s valley districts, police reported on Thursday.

Police identified the arrested individuals as Moirangthem Ibungo Meitei alias Henthoiba (24) and Ksh. Laiba Meitei (40).

They apprehended both suspected PREPAK cadres from their hideouts under Lamsang police station on Wednesday.

Police stated that the duo extorted money from schools, colleges, businessmen, and government employees in the Imphal area.

Officers also seized two mobile phones from their possession.

Interestingly, the arrests came shortly after PREPAK and its armed wing, the Red Army, observed “Athoubasinggi Ningshing Numit 2025” (Martyrs’ Day 2025) along with various hill and valley communities, according to a statement issued by the outfit’s publicity officer, Mangai Khuman.

The outfit said the observance was held at its Central Headquarters (CHQ), General Headquarters (GHQ), 707 Mobile Battalion, Base Area 1, Base Area 2, Base Area 3, Base Area 4, Training Centre, and Mobile Battalions 01 and 02.

The programme also featured floral tributes at memorial sites, gun salutes, and lighting of candles at residential gates in honour of fallen cadres.

The outfit’s chief reportedly unfurled the party flag at half-mast and observed two minutes of silence, followed by a gun salute to pay homage to the martyrs.

The main demands of PREPAK include the establishment of an independent homeland for Manipur and the expulsion of “outsiders” from the state.

The group claims its goal is to protect Manipur’s territorial integrity and improve the socio-economic conditions of its people, framing its movement as part of a struggle against external threats and internal challenges such as drug abuse.