Manipur rebel arrested in Meghalaya

A rebel of the outlawed People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Prepak) of Manipur has been arrested here, an official said Friday.

Moirangthem Boboi Singh, who holds the rank of captain of the Prepak, was arrested by Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) commandos Thursday night from a hideout at Lumshiap Nongmynsong area in East Khasi Hills district, police official Mariahom Kharkrang told IANS.

The rebel told police he spent most of his time camping in Nepal and Myanmar and had been visiting Shillong to meet his family, the official said.

During a search of his house, SWAT commandos seized two laptops, four pen-drives, eight cheque books, two debit cards, three SIM cards including one from Nepal, two mobile phones and one iPad.

Officials say the Manipur-based outfit has been maintaining close links with other northeast extremist outfits, including those who have taken shelter in Myanmar.

The Prepak group, fighting for an independent homeland for the majority Metei community in Manipur, has reportedly set up bases in Bangladesh.

There are about 20 militant groups active in Manipur, bordering Myanmar.