Manipur security forces arrested two women cadres of the banned PREPAK outfit on January 5 for allegedly abducting three minors for recruitment. The children were rescued unharmed from Imphal West district and returned to their parents. A car used in the abduction was recovered. The arrests occurred during intensified security operations in the state, which have been ongoing since ethnic violence erupted in May 2023. Investigations are continuing to identify potential accomplices and wider recruitment networks.