Manipur Police Arrest Suspected NSCN-IM Cadres Over Extortion on NH-37
Police in Tamenglong district said two suspected NSCN-IM cadres were arrested from Sibilong on NH-37 and that cash, a live cartridge, and communication devices,
Manipur Police arrested two persons allegedly linked to extortion activities along National Highway 37 in Tamenglong district, an official said on Tuesday. The action followed complaints of repeated extortion cases affecting movement on the highway, police said.
Arrest made near Sibilong on NH-37
According to the police report, the two suspects were picked up from Sibilong along NH-37 under the jurisdiction of Kaimai Police Station. They were identified as Gaisuaklung Ngaomei, 45, from Bhalok village in Tamenglong, and Job Gangmei, 29, from Sibilong Part-II under Tousem subdivision in the same district.
Police said they seized a live cartridge, Rs 22,000 in cash, and two Baofeng communication sets with a charger from the arrested persons. The materials were recovered during the operation carried out in connection with the extortion cases along the highway.
Strike called off after security assurances
Following the escalation of extortion incidents on NH-37, petroleum transporters had announced a “Steering Wheel Down Strike” on the highway. The strike was later withdrawn after the state government assured enhanced security and agreed to review the convoy system used for movement.
As part of the follow-up, representatives of the Core Committee of the Consortium of Manipur Petroleum Product Transporters’ Fraternity, along with retail outlet dealers, LPG distributors, drivers’ associations, and the state government, agreed to revise the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for convoy movement. The group also said the revised SOP would be notified in the State Gazette as a permanent measure to help curb extortion along NH-37.
Police further said that security arrangements will be increased across vulnerable stretches in Tamenglong district, including the Kambiron-Sibilong and Makru-Old Kaiphundai sections. Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo stated that sufficient personnel would be deployed, and Inspector General of Police (Zone-III) Kamei Angam Romanus was named the nodal officer to oversee coordination. All district police units have been instructed to work with the CRPF, Assam Rifles and the Army to prevent illegal activities on and around the highway.
