Two women militant cadres arrested in Manipur for alleged child abduction

Two women cadres of the banned People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Prepak) were arrested from Manipur’s Thoubal district for allegedly abducting three minors with the intent of recruiting them into the proscribed outfit, police said on Wednesday.

According to senior police officials, the arrests were made from the Khangabok area on Monday following an investigation into the abduction of the children from Kakching Khunou Ngaikhong Leikai in Kakching district on Sunday. The minors were later rescued from Uchiwa Awang Leikai in Imphal West district and safely handed over to their parents.

The alleged attempt to recruit young children into militant activities has drawn strong condemnation, with officials terming it a grave criminal act and a serious violation of children’s rights. Exploiting minors for violence is morally indefensible and further deepens the trauma of communities already affected by prolonged conflict.

A car allegedly used in the kidnapping was seized during the operation. Police said efforts are underway to trace and arrest other accomplices linked to the case.

Police said the case may attract provisions under Sections 137 (kidnapping), 138 (abduction), 143 (trafficking of persons) and 61 (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with relevant sections of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), given the involvement of a banned organisation.

The arrests come amid continued security operations across Manipur, where ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities erupted in May 2023. Since the outbreak of unrest, more than 260 people have been killed , and thousands have been displaced.

Following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, the Centre imposed President’s Rule in the state . The Manipur Legislative Assembly, whose tenure runs until 2027 , has been placed under suspended animation as authorities continue efforts to restore peace and stability.