Incidents and Statements involving People’s Liberation Army: 2013

Date

Nature of incident

January 5

Thoubal District of Manipur

RPF, the political wing of PLA, has denied any connection between RPF and Akham Khomdonbi.

Wabagai Tera Pishak Mamang Leikai

SFs, in the intervening night arrested a PLA militant, Thongam Sanjit alias Kemo (33) from Wabagai Tera Pishak Mamang Leikai. However, RPF, political wing of PLA, clarified that Thongam Sanjit alias Kemo (33) was already dismissed from the party on April 4, 2011.

Churachandpur District of Manipur

Four militant suspects were reportedly killed in an encounter with troops of 39 Assam Rifles at Behiang area. PIB-Defence Wing, in a statement said that the four killed belonged to the UNLF and PLA. At about 3 am, the troops intercepted the armed men trying to infiltrate from across the border and a fierce gun fight ensued in which four militants were killed, said PIB.

A press release from the Media Co-ordinator of the CorCom, comprising of seven major rebel groups, has claimed responsibility for the bomb blasts in and around Imphal on January 25 and 26. It may be mentioned that four bombs had gone off on the eve of the Republic day (January 26) function: one at the 1st Battalion MR Campus another at a garbage dump near Keishamthong bridge a third one near the gate of the RDS school, Palace Compound and another at the Guwahati High Court complex in Chingmeirong. It has also claimed responsibility for another bomb which went off near the gate of the 3rd IRB at Wangbal in Thoubal District on January 26 at around 9am.

Bishnupur District in Manipur

Troops reportedly arrested two PLA militants, identified as Huirem Nandeshwar Singh (58) and M Manglam Singh (58), from Kongkham Awang Leikai.

CorCom, of valley based seven militant outfits, has said that the umbrella body has expelled UPPK from the membership of the group during a meeting between the CorCom and leaders of UPPK. The release said that the meeting was held on January 28 and 31 following which, the resolution of expelling UPPK was taken during the 6th meeting of the CorCom.

It elaborated that the step was taken up after UPPK 'adviser' Meisnam Biren alias Chamba of Sagolband Meino Leirak, 'chairman' Bonbihari alias Laangamba of Thangmeiband, 'External Affairs Secretary' Lousangbam Kritibabu Mangang alias Uraaba of Kwakkeithel Moirangpurel Leikai and Assistant Publicity Secretary Laisram Ranjit alias Khuman of Mayang Imphal ran away from CorCom without any explanations.

It further said that another reason is that after the arrest of the UPPK 'General Secretary' Ningthoujam Santi alias Chinglemba Mangang of Waheng Leikai; 'Finance Secretary' Langpoklakpam Inaocha alias Birjit of Kongjeng Leikai and 'Organization Secretary' Konthoujam Homeshwor alias Chingkhie of Konthoujam, there was a disorder and chaos in the outfit which raised questions about the fitness of the outfit to continue as a member of the CorCom.

Imphal west District of Manipur

Manipur Police, sent additional personnel from its elite force Manipur Police Commando in Manipur's border town Moreh (Chandel District) at the international border with Myanmar as intelligence inputs warns of clash among the underground groups. Intelligence inputs indicated that there were high possibilities of clash between cadres of UPPK and other constituents of CorCom of seven underground outfits operating in Manipur after the former was ousted from the committee, particularly in Moreh and international border line.

The RPF has asserted that Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram's statement, "if the Indian Army continues with its stubborn objection against all efforts to amend Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958, there is no point for the existence of a civilian Government" needs a collective discussion. The Indian Finance Minister's statement made it clear that the Indian military has been violating human rights, observed the outfit in a press statement issued by its Publicity Secretary Roben Khuman.

At least six militant cadres belonging to different outfits surrendered with arms to BSF authorities at the paramilitary force's 116 battalion complex near Loktak Lake. Four cadres of the UNLF and one each of the PULF and PLA surrendered along with five pistols, one carbine and two grenades to the BSF inspector general (frontier headquarters) Manohar Lal Batham, a BSF official said.

SFs arrested one militant belonging to RPF, the political wing of PLA identified as Yaithengbam Punshi Singh alias Iano in Imphal East District. On verification, he stated that he joined the RPF through one 'Lieutenant' Alen of Heirok in the year 2007 as People Militia.

RPF cadre namely Thangjam Shanta Singh alias Lenin (41) was also arrested from his house in Pungdongbam Mayai Leikai.

PLA militants attacked AR personnel by exploding a powerful IED from which they had a narrow escape. The incident occurred near the main road along the Uripok Kangchup Road, also known as Salam Pandol of Heibongpokpi under Lamsang Police station of Imphal West District. However no AR personnel sustained injuries as the IED exploded after AR vehicles went past.

The PLA, in a press release claimed that a Special warfare Group of the outfit was responsible for the bomb attack and further said that the pride of the IGAR-S on their success in bringing some armed groups to the negotiating table will be short lived and asserted that the surrendered militants cannot vilify the spirit of the revolutionaries and tarnish their spirit. It further added that PLA will not tire in its struggle to expel non-Manipuri soldiers from Manipur.

An encounter took place between suspected cadres of PLA and troops of Assam Rifles near Saibom village under Tengnoupal Police station in Chandel District. Sources informed that the gun battle was fought at about 1 am near Saibom village along National Highway 2. However, there is no report of any casualty on either side.

Greeting the people of Manipur and saluting all the 'martyrs' who have laid down their lives in the course of the ongoing revolutionary movement on the occasion of RPF 34th foundation (February 25) which the outfit observes as Independence Demand Day, its 'President' Irengbam Chaoren appealed to people of all communities of Manipur to introspect whether "we would have faced the present grim situation had Manipur evolved into a full fledged modem State in the form of an independent country"

Nahabam Basketball ground in Manipur

A team of Imphal East District Police commandos arrested a PLA cadre, identified as Laimayum Jotin sharma alias Mocha (29).

Churachandpur District of Manipur

A powerful IED explosion at Churachandpur District in killed one Army trooper and a mine detector dog of the Army and left three persons injured. The IED was planted on the roadside at a place located between Khiang zang and Tollen village.

The RPF, the political wing of PLA, in a press statement claimed the bomb attack saying that it was carried out by the "Special Warfare Team" of PLA. The statement signed by the 'Chief of department of publicity', RPF, Bangkim further claimed responsibility for an attack at the 24 Assam Rifles camp near Soibol Khul in Chandel District on February 21 at around 10pm and said that it was carried out by "Tactical Command" of PLA.

NS

In the aftermath of the PLA's attack on SFs between S Kotlen and Torbung Bangla along Tidim road under Churachandpur Police station on February 26 in which one trooper was killed and three others injured, the SFs have been threatening local villagers demanding handover of PLA cadres taking shelter there, the RPF, the political wing of PLA alleged.

A statement of the RPF, the political wing of PLA has claimed that its investigation have found that two personnel of the AR were killed and three others injured during an attack by a tactical command of the outfit on February 21 at Saibol village, Chandel District. It has further said that the act of the AR to assault the nearby villagers after the attack is to create a rift among the people and the outfit.

Reacting to newspaper reports about attacks on AR at Saibol village in Chandel District by the PLA and the outfit's claim of killing two AR troops in another offensive, a AR statement dismissed the outfit's claim as false and fabricated.

The RPF, the political wing of PLA, in a statement by its publicity secretary Roben Khuman has greeted the womenfolk of the State on the eve of the International Women's Day.

Two alleged PLA cadres along with weapons were arrested by a team of Moreh Police on 14 March at around 7.30 pm from Moreh ward number 2.

At least one AR trooper was killed and another three personnel injured when two powerful IED bombs exploded simultaneously near Kundong Leirembi under Moreh Police station in Chandel District. Havildar Dumar Bahadur (38) was killed on the spot while Havildar Thakur Singh, Rifleman Apan Jokkam and Rifleman Upendra Nayak sustained multiple injuries.

A press statement signed by the Chief of 'department of publicity' of the RPF, Bangkim has claimed that the bomb attacked was carried out by a special warfare group of its arm wing, PLA. The statement has also claimed that five personnel of the 9 Assam Rifles were killed in the attack and other few personnel were left injured.

A trooper of the Assam Rifles was killed while another was injured in an IED blast triggered along the road side of Leirongthel Lamkhai under Yairipok Police Station. The RPF claimed responsibility for the attack saying it was the handiwork of its Special Warfare Group of its armed wing PLA.

Imphal West District of Manipur

Police commandos of the Imphal West District arrested  one militant RPF from Thangal bazaar. It identified the RPF/PLA’s hardcore member as Chongtham Oken Singh.

Thoubal in Manipur

A combined team of Thoubal Commando and personnel of 15 Assam rifle conducted a cordon and search operation at Chandrakhong and Leirongthel area and arrested one alleged PLA over ground worker identified as Koijam Gourahari Singh (55) . According to the Police, the arrested person was also involved in the IED blast at Leirongthel Lamkahi in which one Assam Riffles personal died and other Assam rifle personal was injured.

Tamenglong in Manipur

A 48-hour National Highway `total blockade` has been called from the midnight of March 27 by the AZSU-AMN, ZYF-AMN and ZSUM demanding the safe release of Alice Kamei, a class nine student of Grace Reach Academy. The student was abducted by some persons who claimed themselves to be from the RPF/PLA. Alice Kamei reportedly went missing since March 10, according to the three Zeliangrong organisations.

Imphal in manipur

A press statement of the PIB, Defence Wing, has said that RPF/PLA ‘sergeant major’ Ningthoujam Leirenjao Singh alias Thouba was arrested by troops of Red Shield Division on the intervening night of March 23 – 24. It said that the individual has revealed important information on armed activities in the area of Imphal West and also led to the recovery of a 7.65 mm Pistol and a .22 Pistol along with 40 rounds of AK ammunition.

Chandel in Manipur

Troops of 24-AR handed over four PLA militants to the Imphal Police Station after they were arrested during a counter insurgency operation at Chalktong village of Chandel District.  The arrested PLA cadres were identified as Wahengbam Rex Alias Abung (17) of Hiyanglam village, Mohammad Rajaoddin (23) of Yairipok Heitroipokpi, MK Rustam (25) of Yairipok and Mohammad Karim (17) of Keirao Mayai Leikai, police said.

NS

RPF stated that Koijam Gourahari of Leirongthel Lamkhai (55) is not a cadre of the outfit. RPF further stated that AR by arresting the elderly man is venting its frustrations on the civil population following the bomb blast of March 23 at Thoubal District in which two AR personnel died.

Imphal East and Imphal West in Manipur

Police commandos of Imphal East and Imphal West District Police Stations nabbed three militants, belonging to PLA during search operations at Keisamthong, Chasad Avenue, Thangal Bazar and Lamsang areas in the two Districts, official sources said. The PLA militants were identified as Oinam Shayam, Thangman Haokip and Moirangthem Boinao.

Thoubal District in Manipur

SFs arrested two PLA cadres at Sekmaijin area in Thoubal District. SFs recovered two hand grenades, five kilograms of explosive materials and other underground items from them.

 Imphal West District of Manipur

PLA cadre, identified as Ningthoujam Amitkumar Singh (27) of Phayeng Chingtaba village was arrested by a team of 30 Assam Rifles during a raid in his residence.

NS

The RPF has said in a statement that the outfit and its armed wing PLA is not related in any manner with Muhamad Raja Udin who was reportedly arrested by a team of the 24th AR on March 24 along with PLA 'corporal' Wahengbam Rex alias Abungo and 'lance corporal' Karim Khan alias Achouba from whom, one AK rifle, a magazine, 16 rounds, one 9mm pistol, one magazine and four rounds were recovered. It further informed that the outfit and its armed wing PLA is not related to Ningthoujam Lairenjao who was arrested during the intervening night of March 23 -24 by 10th AR.

NS

The RPF has said in a statement that the outfit and its armed wing PLA is not related in any way with Chongtham Oken (43) who was reportedly arrested by Imphal West District Police commandos on March 23 from near the Thangal Bazar.

Thoubal District in Manipur

A combined team of Thoubal District Police commando at Yairipok post and 15 AR arrested a PLA cadre, identified as Waikhom Sunil Meitei, from Leirongthel Pitra under Yairipok Police Station.

Imphal East and Imphal West Districts of amnipur

Demanding immediate and safe release of 14-year-old Alice Kamei, sit-in-protests were staged at different Zeliangrong villages of Imphal East and Imphal West Districts .The Zeliangrong bodies had also clamped a 48-hour total blockade on National Highways with effect from the midnight of March 27. According to the Zeliangrong bodies, Alice is now in the custody of RPF/PLA.

NS

The RPF denied abducting Alice Kamei of Bishnupur District as alleged by her relatives and the Zeliangrong community. The RPF said she joined the party voluntarily in March.

Imphal in Manipur

Based on the information provided by 30 Assam Rifles, Imphal East District Police commandos arrested one PLA woman cadre identified as Taurem Sojita alias Khamnu (22) with six PEK explosives marked as charge demolition M-112 weighing around 800 grams from the gate of GM Hall in Imphal city.

Heirok Keirenbikhok Mamang Leikai in Manipur

A PLA cadre identified as Phuritsabam Meghachandra (43) was arrested from Heirok Keirenbikhok Mamang Leikai.

Imphal East District of Manipur

A combined team of Imphal East District Police commandos and troops of 30 Assam Rifles arrested one PLA cadre identified as Thangjam Tolen from the southern side of Chairen Thongkhong.

Imphal East District of Manipur

Police arrested another PLA cadre identified as Moirangthem Ronikumar (33) from near Panthoibi Mandop, Kongba Kshetri Leikai in Imphal East District.

Imphal East District in Manipur

Imphal East district Police commandos arrested one woman cadre of PLA identified as Moirangthem Ningol Pangambam Ongbi Bina from Wangkhei High School gate.

Imphal East District in Manipur

One PLA cadre identified as Thingbaijam Thoiba (33) was arrested from Dhobi Lampak.

Imphal west District of Manipur

Imphal West District Police commandos reportedly arrested three PLA cadres, including a woman, from different places. The three PLA cadres arrested from near their respective localities in Imphal West District have been identified as Leichomam Sushilkumar alias Boy Singh (28), Chingtham Boynao alias Khomba (24) and Thongam Lairikyengbam Apabi (60).

The CorCom of six militant outfits- the KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK-Pro, RPF and the UNLF has declared that it would boycott the forthcoming visit of India's President in Manipur and subsequently announced a 26 hour general strike. President Pranab Mukherjee is scheduled to arrive at Imphal on April 15.

RPF/PLA has made a frontal attack against the Police for staging 'fake encounters' and defaming innocent persons.

AZSU, ZYF and ZSUM will enforce a total bandh (shutdown) along National Highway 2 and National Highway-37 from April 21 demanding the safe release of school girl Alice Kamei. In the custody of the proscribed RPF/PLA since March 10.

April 12

Imphal in Manipur

Zeliangrong organisations have sought the intervention of President of India Pranab Mukherjee in the case of Alice Kamei, who is allegedly in the custody of RPF/PLA. Alice Kamei has been held captive by the RPF/PLA since March 10.

A massive public rally is being planned on April 19 in Imphal demanding the safe release of school girl Alice Kamei from the custody of the RPF/PLA.The plan to hold the rally was resolved at the April 12 public meeting held at Majorkhul Community Hall, Imphal.

Statement

An IED planted by militants went off along the roadside at Phaikhojang village near the international border with Myanmar under Singhat Police Station. In the blast one trooper was injured. However, the same could not be confirmed by the police here. The report said that the trooper sustained critical injury in the blast and has been evacuated to a unit hospital of the AR.Police suspect militant group PLA involvement in the incident, considering the area of operation. However, till the time of filing this report, none of the rebel group owns up the responsibility.

PLA claimed responsibility for the twin bomb attacks in Churachandpur and Thoubal Districts on April 14 ahead of President Pranab Mukherjee's arrival in the State. Even as PLA has been taking utmost care to avoid casualty to civilians while carrying military offensive against the Indian military, it was highly regrettable that one child sustained injuries in the Lilong attack, said a press release issued by the outfit's Department of Publicity Chief Bangkim.

The CorCom, umbrella body of six militant outfits based in Manipur, while remembering the sacrifices of the forefathers of Manipur during the Khongjom war or the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891 has praised their sacrifices. It further appealed to the people of Manipur to remember the sacrifices of the forefathers on the Anglo-Manipur Khongjom war Memorial Day on April 23 .

One MR trooper, Rifleman Longjam Sachin (27), was killed while 10 people including MR personnel and two PWD engineers sustained injuries in an ambush by some unidentified militants at a spot in between Khudengthabi and Kwatha Lamkhai along NH-2 in Chandel District. Suspected militants triggered three IED blasts, at the ambush site, which was followed by gunfire

Reacting to the statements of some politicians and high-ranking officers of the State Government which reportedly dubbed attacks on Security Forces as dastardly and asserted that violence could not bring any kind of solution as reported in some sections of media on April 22, the RPF in a statement issued by the outfit's Publicity Secretary, Roben Khuman maintained that RPF and PLA have never committed any cowardly act in the course of the ongoing liberation movement.

The RPF, the political wing of the PLA, has claimed that the attacks on a joint team of eight MR personnel and PWD officials between Khudengthabi and Kwatha Lamkhai and CRPF troops at Sekmai on April 21 were carried out by special teams of the PLA. Ahead of these military offensives, RPF had repeatedly appealed to all civilians not to stay close to Indian military or armed security personnel. These appeals were made with a view to avoid casualties to civilians, the outfit reminded in a press release issued by its Department of Publicity chief Bangkim. Regretting the injuries caused to civilians in the twin attacks, the outfit clarified that the attack on MR personnel was not done deliberately. For RPF/PLA, the decision not to attack State forces still stands, it added.

A goods-laden truck was set ablaze by suspected blockade supporters in between Khongnem and Karong villages of Senapati District in the morning. The miscreants are yet to be identified but it is pertinent to note that the Zeliangrong Youth Front, All Zeliangrong Students' Union and Zeliangrong Students' Union, Manipur are enforcing blockade on the National Highways demanding safe and early release of school-girl Alice Kamei who is in the custody of the RPF/PLA.

UNC appealed to the Central Government to immediately intervene and secure the release of Alice Kamei, minor girl, allegedly held captive by RPF/PLA since March 10. UNC also appealed to Zeliangrong Youth Front, All Zeliangrong Students' Union and the Zeliangrong Students' Union Manipur to review their decision on the indefinite bandh (shutdown) in view of the hardship faced by the general public and in anticipation of the Centre's intervention.

The RPF declared on the occasion of the International Workers' Day that in order to escape the neo-liberalization policies of India set by its capitalist class and its market economy and put into motion a vibrant economy of Manipur, all the indigenous communities of Manipur need to take a firm resolution and wage the war of liberation collectively.

The CorCom of six militant groups has set up a JFF under the aegis of its JMC after a joint meeting held. The establishment of JFF after several subordinates bodies were set up already is a significant step for CorCom to become a united front, it said in a statement. JFF which would take the role of vanguards in the liberation movement of Manipur (Kangleipak) would be a big boost to the revolutionary movement in the coming days, it added.

After imposing 'total bandh' (shut down strike) along the National Highways leading to Manipur since April 21, the Zeliangrong organisations have decided on May 2 afternoon to suspend the agitation from midnight of May 2. The AZSU, ZYF and ZSUM have been demanding the 'safe release' of school girl Alice Kamei who is allegedly in the custody of RPF since March 10.

A PLA/RPF cadre identified as Oinam Samananda Singh alias Kauba (30) was arrested by Thoubal District Police while conducting frisking and checking at Wangoo Lamkhai, Thoubal Police statement said.

A press release from Superintendent of Police, Imphal West District, said that Singjamei Police team arrested a cadre of PLA, identified as Chongtham Suresh Singh alias Birla alias Phubangamba, from Meitei Lamkhai near Canchipur on May 15.

SFs conducted a search operation at Inganglok Tera Makhong area of Heirok Part III in Thoubal District and arrested two bomb experts of the RPF/PLA. It identified the two as Nongmaithem Naocha Singh (27) and Laishram Kiran Meitei (22). On questioning, Nongmaithem Naocha disclosed that the lED attack which took place on May 15, 2013, at Wangjing Purana Heitupokpi against the regular foot patrol party of BSF 116th Battalion was carried out by him in association with Laishram Kiran Meitei and one Laishram Amuchou Singh. Nongmaithem further disclosed that one lED weighing about seven kilograms fitted with one RPG mortar shell was also planted by him and his associates at Wangjing Purana Heitupokpi area near the site of blast. Following this disclosure, one lED which was more than one square feet in dimension and one RPG Shell fitted together were recovered by the SFs.

CM, Okram Ibobi Singh expressed his happiness that UPPK cadres had come out to join the national mainstream by laying down arms and signing the MoU following an understanding with the Government. The Government will seriously take up the actions to rehabilitate those persons who have taken the path of peace, he said. The CM further said that the door is wide open for underground organizations of all communities in the hills and the valley to return to a normal peaceful life. He appealed to other remaining rebel groups, including the UNLF, PLA, PREPAK and KYKL, to come to the path of peace like the UPPK. He went on to say that steps will be taken up in consultation with the Indian Government to provide equal facilities to those who have taken the path of peace including health, education sectors etc.

Shambhu Singh, Joint Secretary (northeast) in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, said "The link between Maoists and Manipur's [People's Liberation Army] PLA has been broken long time ago due to logistical problem in Myanmar and strong presence of security forces along the India-Myanmar border". He added that the relationship between these two rebel outfits was broken over the past one year now after the PLA shifted their training camps to Taga in Northern part of Myanmar. Earlier on October 22, 2008 PLA and Maoists signed their MoU.

Stating that the Maoist has not been able to establish itself in the others states of the region, Singh said, "They (Maoists leaders) have visited Manipur and Nagaland, but they have not been able to establish themselves. In the Northeast, only Assam has few remnants of Maoist activities. In the case of Meghalaya, there is no Maoist presence." Singh also informed that Indian rebels groups -- PLA, NDFB-IKS and the ULFA-ATF- operating from Myanmar has been facing a difficult time to infiltrate into India since most of the routes have been blocked by Security Forces. Even the Khaplang faction of the NSCN-K had even cautioned the ULFA and NDFB not to move out of Myanmar in view of the strong security presence," Singh added. However, Singh, admitted that there are certain areas along the international border that need improvement in guarding. "But the overall troop deployment has improved," he said.

a team of Imphal East District Police commandos arrested one PLA cadre, identified as Thounaojam Bikram (21) from Napet junction . On verification, he disclosed that he joined PLA in February 2013 through one Kumar alias Basanta of Iroisemba in Imphal West District. He had collected INR 4000 from an unknown person from Iroisemba and handed over to Kumar about a week back, said a press release issued by Imphal East Superintendant of Police. Bikram had also admitted a PLA woman cadre identified as, Paonam Luxmi (25) at Hospital from treatment, added the press release.

In response to the recent campaign of Assam Rifles launched under the banner "Know Your Army", PLA/RPF has called upon all the people of Manipur to know their enemies.

Imphal West Police commandos arrested two militants of PLA and one KNF-N from Takyel Khongbal and North AOC, Imphal respectively. They were identified as Pangambam Roshan Singh, Laishram Naobicha alias Makung of PLA and P Muoma Vaiphei alias Moun of KNF-N.

RPF, the political wing of PLA, has denied having any further link with one Oinam Yaima alias Kanba, whom the PIB-DW release claimed as having surrendered to the Red Shield Division, after he was dismissed from the outfit in May 2013.

Imphal West District Police commandos arrested one cadre belonging to RPF/PLA, identified as Thangjam James alias Bison from Singjamei near Kumar Pharmacy. One hand grenade and one mobile handset were seized from his possession, said a press release issued by Imphal West Superintendant of Police.

SFs arrested one PLA cadre, Takhelmayum Imoba Singh alias Kaka (50), near Orient Hotel in Imphal Town (Imphal East District. He stated that he is now working under the command of 'Captain' Melei of PLA, who is now operating out of Myanmar.

A statement issued by the PLA 'Department of Publicity' chief, Bangkim, said that the PLA has no connection whatsoever with Takhel-mayum Imocha alias Kaka (50) who was reportedly arrested by the Imphal East commandos on July 20.

Imphal West Police Commandos arrested one cadre of PLA, identified as Chabungbam Surjit alias Dayananda alias Tangba (36) from Changangei Uchekon .

11 militant outfits based in India's Northeast, six from Manipur, three from Assam and one each from Meghalaya and Tripura, have jointly called for a boycott of Independence Day (August 15). The outfits include KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK-PRO, RPF and UNLF of Manipur, which operate from one platform called CorCom, HNLC of Meghalaya, KLO, NDFB, ULFA-I of Assam and NLFT of Tripura. These groups now describe northeast as "Western South East Asia (WESEA) region".

Amidst the tight security measures in and around Imphal, the State capital, in view of the call for boycott of Independence Day celebrations given by the major insurgent groups operating in Manipur, a bomb suspected to be an IED exploded. The IED explosion took place in front of the newly-constructed City Convention Area located in the high security zone. However, no armed group operating in the region has so far claimed responsibility for the incident. There is no report of any casualty in the explosion.

The CorCom has claimed responsibility for all the two blasts and the earlier attack at City Convention Centre on August 14. CorCom and other revolutionary groups of 'Western Southeast Asia (WESEA)' called for a general strike on August 15 and boycotted the Independence Day (August 15).

UNLF 'acting Chairman' Khundongbam Pambei has been unanimously elected Convenor of the CorCom) of KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK-Pro, RPF and UNLF. Pambei was elected Convenor during the CorCom's 7th conference held from July 8 to August 26, 2013, conveyed a press release issued by the CorCom's 'media coordinator 'H Poirei.Tenure of the first convenor Irengbam Chaoren, 'President' of RPF expired on July 8, 2013, it added.

12 cadres of six militant outfits surrendered to the Government along with arms at a ceremony held at the Chief Minister's Secretariat. The surrenderees include six from Progressive faction of PREPAK-Pro, two from KYKL, and one each from the PREPAK, PLA, UNLF and KCP-Lamyanba Khuman. The weapons handed over included two 9mm pistols with 20 rounds, nine hand-grenades with detonators, two IEDs, one AK-56 rifle with two magazines and an AK-47 rifle with magazine and 221 rounds.

A civilian, identified as Ningthoukhongjam Roben, was injured in an IED explosion near Khurai Popular High School in Khurai Laishram Leikai along the Imphal-Ukhrul road in Imphal East District. The RPF has claimed responsibility for the blast, saying it was carried out by a special 'warfare group' of its armed wing PLA. It claimed that the bomb attack was carried out targeting a team of Assam Rifles. The outfit further claimed that they had attacked a camp of the Indian military at Ashi village in Chandel District on September 9 and inflicted casualties on some Indian military personnel.

The RPF has claimed that a special team of its PLA launched an offensive against 24 Assam Rifles post near Saibol village in Chandel District.

Despite the crackdown launched by the Government of Bangladesh, around 200 members of militant groups of the North East region of India are still taking shelter in the neighboring country and a list of the shelter points was handed over to Bangladesh during the recent meeting between the Border Security Force and Borer Guard Bangladesh. Sources in the MHA told that the militants are not maintaining any full-fledged camp in Bangladesh but they have been maintaining at least 25 shelters, mostly in the areas like Khagrachari, Bandarband, and Rangamati in CHT.

Sources said that most of the militants staying in Bangladesh belong to the NLFT of Tripura. But other groups, like the ULFA-I, PLA and UNLF of Manipur, NSCN-IM and NDFB, are also maintaining shelters in the neighbouring country. The Government is still not sure whether the NDFB members staying in Bangladesh belong to the Ranjan Daimary or IK Songbijit faction.

Lamshang Makha Leikai / Imphal

A combined team of Imphal East and Imphal West Districts Police commandos arrested a PLA cadre from his residence at Lamshang Makha Leikai in Imphal West District.

Minuthong Bridge / Imphal

A team of Imphal East commandos arrested a PLA cadre, identified as Nandeibam Bhogen Singh alias Bhagi Bhogen, from the Eastern side of Minuthong Bridge in Imphal East District.

Kongkan / Ukhrul

PLA, the military wing of the RPF launched a well coordinated attack against the camp of 44 Assam Rifles (AR) at Kongkan village in Ukhrul District. PLA claimed that it had killed six AR personnel and smashed two barracks. However, Police, quoting the AR, said that one AR personnel was wounded and one barrack was damaged.

A Bangladeshi national was arrested by Assam Rifles from border town Moreh in Chandel District on charges of being an activist of PLA.

CorCom, a committee of valley based six militant groups of Manipur and the NLFT have jointly called an 18 hour general strike in Manipur and Twipra (Tripura) with effect from October 14 midnight till 6 pm of October 15 in protest against the 'forceful merger agreements' which came into effect from October 15, 1949 by which Manipur and Tripura was merged into the Indian Union.

An Assam Rifles vehicle carrying idol of goddess Durga during the Durga Puja festival was damaged in an IED attack launched by the PLA at Nungshangkhong along Imphal-Ukhrul road in Ukhrul District. Claiming hands in the attack, a statement issued by the chief, department of publicity, RPF, Bangkim said the attack launched by the PLA's Special Warfare Group was part of its offensive against Indian army.

Three separate bandhs (shut down strike) in Manipur enforced by militant groups and another by two tribal civil organizations evoked near total response, paralysing normal life. The CorCom, a conglomerate of six different militant groups had imposed an 18-hour general strike in protest against the merger of Manipur with the Indian Union on October 15, 1949 and another 12-hour parallel bandh was called by MCP-M. KISG and SANPO on the other hand, had also given a 48-hour Senapati District bandh demanding the Government to fulfill their demands. The triple strikes simultaneously began in the midnight.

Police and Assam Rifles personnel launched combing operations in the mountain areas of Ukhrul District bordering Myanmar following an attack by the PLA.

The RPF, the political wing of PLA has claimed hands in planting an IED at Thamnapokpi near Pallel. A statement issued by Bangkim, chief, department of publicity of RPF claimed that the Special Warfare Group of its armed wing, PLA was involved in planting the IED that was targeted on the ROP of 20 Assam Rifles. Although the attack was aborted, it pledged to carry on launching attacks without any stop in future.

While denying involvement in the blasts at Thangal Keithel (October 29) and Moirangkhom Moreh van parking (October 30), the CorCom, a Coordination Committee of six valley based militant groups contended that Indian security forces plotting the explosions cannot be ruled out.

A combined team of Imphal East commandos and 40 AR, Canchipur arrested a cadre of PLA, identified as Konjengbam Ibungo alias Bocha alias Indrasham alias KK Nganba alias Khomba (30) while conducting a search operation at Isheikha.

Saying that it has received information about some people collecting money from the public in their name, the CorCom (six valley based militant groups) has categorically stated that the six constituent parties have never sought or collected donation in the name of CorCom,. Those people reportedly seeking or collecting money in the name of CorCom are all impostors and they have no relation with the CorCom.

Police claimed to have arrested a militant belonging to PLA, identified as Samukcham Thomba from near the Social Sciences department of Manipur University in Imphal West District.

Militant outfits, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK-Pro and UNLF have denied their hands in the assassination of MPP vice-president Haobijam Manisana who was shot dead by some unidentified persons on November 13.

12 persons, including a minor girl, were injured barely in an IED explosion along National Highway-202 at Harkuikathe in Ukhrul District. The blast took place when a truck carrying around 50 BRTF labourers including women and children was moving towards Ukhrul. Most of the injured victims are from Jharkhand and Assam. This is the 7th blast within a span of two months.

The RPF has claimed that the bomb attack saying, it was carried out by a special 'warfare' group of PLA.

Claiming to have enough evidence to prove that most incidents related to 'mob-justice' against militant sympathisers are due to abetment by security force authorities, CorCom, the six militant group conglomerate said it will take befitting action against those involved in 'mob-justice'. A statement issued by CorCom media coordinator H Poirei said launched specific investigation in the last 2-3 years into incidents of 'mob-justice' against militants sympathisers eventually unearthing clues that attacking houses of sympathisers to protest certain incidents were actually planned and the target finalised at security force camps located in the area of incidents.

The PLA no connection with Hongnemsubam Sunil Meitei alias Salainganba (46) who was reportedly arrested by Imphal East commandos from near Standard College gate, Kongba on November 20, said a press release issued by the outfit's department of publicity chief Bangkim.

The RPF claimed that the bomb attack which targeted a foot patrol party of 6/8 GR near Kiyamba Sanglen in Bishnupur Bazar in Bishnupur District. RPF claimed that the attack was carried out by a special warfare group of its armed wing PLA. According to Bishnupur Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP-Ops), M Rameshwar, the bomb exploded moments after a patrol party of 6/8 GR went past the spot. There was no human casualty and the blast did little damage to the surrounding area.

SFs arrested a suspect, identified as Narengbam Biromala Sinha alias Ayingbi alias Komina (25), from the surrounding area. The arrested PLA cadre belongs to Mangalpur of Bangladesh. One preliminary question, Ayingbi disclosed that she is an important cadre of RPF/PLA and was involved in extortion and targeting SF deployed in Bishnupur District. The cadre was presently staying at Kunjamani Handloom, Palace Compound opposite Angom Leirak crossing of Imphal East.

SFs launched an operation in general area Patsoi-I under Imphal West District and apprehended one PLA cadre. He was identified as '2nd Lieutenant', Sorokhaibam Khoiba Singh alias Lemba.

PLA, through a press release issued by its 'department of publicity chief' Bangkim, has refuted any connection whatsoever between the outfit and Kongbrailatpam Chittreswori alias Sangita d/o K Sivas Sharma of Singjamei Sapam Leikai who was reportedly arrested by Imphal West commandos with lady cops from near Kumar Pharmacy, Singjamei Bazar at around 1.15 pm of December 4.

Alongside several underground organisations that have already been declared as the Unlawful organizations, the Union Home Ministry has declared CorCom (conglomerate of six valley-based outfits) and the MPLF along with all their factions, wings and front organisations as 'Unlawful Associations' under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. This was stated by the Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde during his monthly Press Conference held on December 10. The Home Minister said that the underground groups, including CorCom were declared Unlawful Association on November 13, 2013.

SFs arrested one 'Chapel' of PLA, identified as Khunumayum Rabichandra Meitei alias Kh Wanglen (28), at Ngariyan area in Thoubal District. SFs recovered one .9 mm pistol and three live rounds were recovered from his possession.

According to highly places sources, despite repeated denial by Bangladesh authority, as many as 51 militant hideouts of northeast India's militant formations still exist in the Bangladeshi soil.

Out of the total militant hideouts, the NLFT [Tripura based] has the highest number of camps in Bangladesh soil with 23 hideouts. While the Manipur based outfit- PLA has second highest militant camps- 7, the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) [Nagaland] and ULFA [Assam] have four and three hideouts respectively.