Guwahati, Nov. 27: In a prompt follow-up investigation of a video that circulated on social media recently, Manipur Police along with Assam Rifles conducted an operation and arrested three active cadres of Kangleipak Communist Party (Military Formation Lotus), including a woman, who were involved in the incident, the state police informed.
The arrest comes after a Facebook video uploaded on November 21, 2025 by a young digital content creator, “Metei Lanmi Naotyboy,” threatened to “bomb” the ongoing Sangai Festival 2025. The youth was later arrested.
The arrested KCP (MFL) cadres have been identified as Laishram Sonia Devi (31) of Okram Chuthek, Imphal East district, who was arrested from her residence for alleged involvement in extortion activities); Salam Luwangnganba Meetei alias Ibungo (22) of Tera Sadokpam Leikai and Phamdom Phampok Meitei alias Ajay alias Abungcha (29) of Wangjing Bazar, Thoubal district.
According to police sources, Phamdom had planned to hurl grenades on the premises of the ongoing Sangai Festival. Further investigation is underway.
An annual cultural programme of the government, the Sangai Festival was suspended for two years in the ethnic strife-torn state.
This year, the government is organising the 10-day festival in a renewed attempt to restore normalcy in the state even as sections of civil society, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) — people displaced by ethnic violence in the state — have protested against the government’s decision to organise the festival.
