Imphal, Aug 2: The security forces in Manipur, in separate intelligence-based operations, have arrested nine militants belonging to different banned insurgent outfits and recovered arms, ammunition and other incriminating materials during the past 24 hours, officials said on Sunday.

A senior police official said the nine militants were apprehended in Thoubal, Tamenglong, Kakching, Chandel, Imphal West and Imphal East districts during coordinated operations by the Manipur Police and other security agencies.

The arrested militants belong to the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), its political wing the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K), and the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK).

According to the police, the arrested insurgents were allegedly involved in a range of criminal activities, including kidnapping and the forcible collection of “subscriptions”, a euphemism commonly used by insurgent groups for extortion.

The security personnel recovered several incriminating documents, subscription receipts, cash, seals and letterheads of the banned outfits, Baofeng communication handsets and various other materials from the possession of the arrested militants.

In another joint operation, the security forces recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from a forest area under Moreh Police Station in Tengnoupal district, which shares an unfenced international border with Myanmar.

The recovered items include one 9 mm pistol, one double-barrel gun, six radio sets, two hand grenades and six powerful Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Police said the IEDs were safely destroyed on the spot by the bomb disposal team following standard operating procedures.

Meanwhile, Director General of Police (DGP) Mukesh Singh, accompanied by the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) in charge of Law and Order and Intelligence, visited the historic 1st Battalion of the Manipur Rifles in Imphal, one of the oldest battalions in the state with a legacy spanning 134 years.

During the visit, the DGP was briefed about the history of the Manipur Police, beginning with the raising of the 1st Manipur Rifles in 1892, and its evolution and contributions over the years.

An official statement said that the Manipur Police is not only a law enforcement agency but also an integral part of the state’s history, growth and institutional reforms.

The DGP inspected several key facilities of the British-era heritage battalion, including the Quarter Guard, the Manipur Police Officers’ Club, the Banquet Hall, the Transport Wing, the Parade Ground, the Church, the Temple, the Canteen and the Petrol Pump.

He also interacted with officers and personnel of the battalion, during which various issues relating to the revamping of the unit, adherence to deployment protocols, regular inspections and compliance mechanisms were discussed in detail.

The statement said that valuable feedback and suggestions were shared to ensure the battalion’s continued development and the implementation of projects suited to modern-day policing requirements.

Meanwhile, the security forces, comprising both Central Armed Police Forces and the Manipur Police, have continued extensive counter-insurgency operations, including search operations and area domination exercises, in fringe, mixed-population and other vulnerable areas across the state.

As part of the intensified security measures, a total of 111 nakas and checkpoints have been set up across both the valley and hill districts to curb the movement of militants, anti-social elements and suspicious vehicles.

The security forces have also been providing escorts to vehicles, including trucks transporting essential commodities, along the strategically important Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37).

Strict security arrangements and convoy protection continue to remain in place in vulnerable stretches of the highway to ensure the safe and uninterrupted movement of passenger and goods vehicles.

The Manipur Police have also appealed to the public not to believe rumours or unverified information and advised people to remain vigilant against fake videos and misleading content circulating on various social media platforms.

New Delhi, Aug 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asserted that hostile nations are attempting to weaken India by pushing drugs into the country and targeting its youth, describing the illegal drug trade as part of an enemy’s “terror agenda”.

Addressing young people during the launch of the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan’, the Prime Minister urged them to stay away from addiction and play a leading role in building a developed India by 2047.

Speaking at the launch of the nationwide campaign, PM Modi said, “When a young person falls prey to drug addiction, it is not just that individual who loses; a dream is lost.”

He said that the consequences of addiction extend beyond individuals and families, affecting the nation’s overall strength. “The national strength also weakens and hostile countries conspire to leave no stone unturned to drag our youth into the trap of addiction,” he said.

Describing narcotics trafficking as a deliberate strategy to harm India, the Prime Minister added, “Profiting from supplying drugs and aiming to destroy a nation like ours is also part of their terror agenda. Hence, we need to save every youth from addiction. You need to protect your potential by staying away from drugs.”

Warning youngsters about the long-term consequences of substance abuse, he remarked, “Drugs give you a high for a while, but they destroy your family.”

Calling upon the youth to shoulder the responsibility of shaping the country’s future, PM Modi said, “In the next 20-25 years, you will give a direction to your lives. You will be the ones who will take India towards the resolution of Viksit Bharat till 2047, and you will be the ones sitting at the top of the peak, fully savouring the fruits of that achievement. The country needs your energy, creative imagination and talent. Hence, for the country and your own lives, keep yourselves away from drugs.”

He stated that the commitment of the new generations towards eradicating the problem of drug addiction from society has reaffirmed his belief that the youth of India is “aware, socially conscious, and serious about their duties”.

The Prime Minister stressed that the next 100 Sundays will mark 100 strong steps towards a drug-free India. He also mentioned that the activities under this initiative will include sports events, walkathons, meditation sessions, cultural programmes, awareness campaigns, etc.

“As an MP from Kashi, I am happy that last year, this project was launched from the holy land of Kashi as a pilot project. Therefore, in addition to scientific clarity, it also possesses spiritual energy, the blessings of saints, and cultural heritage. It also embodies the cultural dedication that has rejected addiction for centuries. This is why the country’s 125 spiritual organisations are working tirelessly to serve millions of citizens,” he mentioned, adding that all these institutions adopted the Kashi Declaration — a 5-year roadmap for a drug-free India adopted in July 2025, at the Youth Spiritual Summit in Varanasi.

“All of you have strengthened my belief that the youth of India is aware, socially conscious, and serious about their duties,” he added.

Highlighting the importance of rehabilitation, PM Modi said, “Do not hide it behind the pressure of social reputation. Those who need help should seek support. Talk openly with them, take the help of experts, and make efforts to free your child from addiction with the support of medical professionals. We should also create a culture of open communication with children within the family so that we can hold their hands before they get trapped in such a situation.”

“You will get signs if you pay a little attention- you may notice changes in their behaviour. They may appear lost, start hiding their face, remain locked in their rooms, come home late at night, or demand unnecessary amounts of money. These are some indications that something may be wrong. I would also like to appeal to our professor friends in colleges and universities: Along with academic studies, please talk to students about the dangers of drugs,” he added.

Kolkata, Aug 2: Following the instructions of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the Enforcement Branch and Kolkata Police raided various markets across the state, including Kolkata, on Sunday to keep vegetable prices under check after rates skyrocketed in the last few weeks.

Enforcement Branch officials raided Shyambazar, Kole Market, Garia Bazaar, and Jadu Babur Bazar in Kolkata. In addition, local officials visited various markets across the state and spoke to sellers and buyers to understand the market situation.

They asked the vegetable sellers about the prices they were selling. An official said, “A few of our teams have gone out. They are saying that the prices are the same in the different markets. But monitoring is being done to ensure that prices do not vary from one market to another.”

On the other hand, the police also checked the markets in several districts.

The Kolaghat block administration and Panshkura Purba MLA, Subrata Maity, made a surprise visit to vegetable markets and fertiliser shops in Deulia Bazar and Kolaghat areas of East Midnapore district.

The MLA inquired whether potatoes, onions and other vegetables were being sold at the correct price in shops. He also talked to the sellers. After that, the officials went to the local fruit markets and fertiliser shops. They inquired from the farmers whether the fertiliser was being charged at high rates.

The Enforcement Branch also raided the Kachari market in Baruipur of South 24 Parganas district. Officers from the Baruipur Police Station, Baruipur Municipality and Baruipur BDO office were present during the operation.

The operation was also conducted in Shantipur of Nadia district.

Traders and sellers said that the price of vegetables soared due to continuous rain in July and a shortage of supply.

However, there were allegations of price manipulation in the wholesale and retail markets. Papaya and pumpkin were not available below Rs 30. In some places, these are being sold at Rs 40 per kilogram. Brinjal was selling at over Rs 80 to Rs 90 per kilogram. Two days ago, the prices were even higher. Green chillies were being sold at Rs 200 per kilogram, while tomatoes were being sold at Rs 115 to Rs 120 per kilogram. However, many said prices generally increase during the monsoon season, and then come down as the season ends.