Manipur Police have arrested two individuals suspected of being NSCN-IM cadres for their alleged involvement in extortion along National Highway 37 in Tamenglong district. The arrests were made on Tuesday, marking a significant breakthrough in the case. According to a police report, the two individuals were apprehended from Sibilong along NH-37 under Kaimai Police Station.
The arrested persons have been identified as Gaisuaklung Ngaomei, 45, of Bhalok village in Tamenglong district, and Job Gangmei, 29, of Sibilong Part-II under Tousem subdivision in Tamenglong district. One live cartridge, Rs 22,000 in cash, and two Baofeng communication sets with a charger were seized from their possession.
The arrests come in the wake of a series of extortion cases along NH-37, which had prompted petroleum transporters to announce a ‘Steering Wheel Down Strike’ along the highway. However, the strike was called off after the state government assured enhanced security and agreed to review the existing convoy system.
As part of the agreement, the Core Committee of the Consortium of Manipur Petroleum Product Transporters’ Fraternity, the retail outlet dealers, the LPG distributors and drivers’ associations, and the state government agreed to revise the existing Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for convoy movement and notify it in the State Gazette as a permanent measure to curb extortion along NH-37.
To enhance security along NH-37, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Lhari Dorjee Lhatoo has issued a fresh directive, stating that sufficient security personnel would be deployed along the vulnerable Kambiron-Sibilong and Makru-Old Kaiphundai stretches in Tamenglong district. Inspector General of Police (Zone-III) Kamei Angam Romanus has been appointed the nodal officer to oversee all security arrangements along the highway.
All district police units have also been instructed to coordinate with the CRPF, Assam Rifles, and the Army to ensure effective area domination and prevent all illegal activities.
