Manipur’s Notorious Drug Lord Yumkhaibam Najakat Arrested Again for Kidnapping and Assault – A Deep Dive into His Criminal History and Controversial Role in YADA
Imphal – May 25, 2025: In a shocking incident that yet again exposes the dark underbelly of Manipur’s drug crisis, Yumkhaibam Najakat, the alleged drug kingpin of Khergao Yumkhaibam Leirak in Imphal East, has been arrested for the forceful abduction and assault of a local resident, Saroj Khan, aged 40.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed at Porompat Police Station, Najakat, along with his associates from the self-styled anti-drug group YADA, abducted Saroj Khan from Khergao Awang Leikai and illegally detained him at Achumba Khongthang Rehabilitation Centre. Saroj Khan’s daughter, Baseimayum Rabina, reported the incident to the police after her father was forcibly taken and physically assaulted. Najakat and his group reportedly demanded Rs. 20,000 and a mobile phone, claiming it was for their organisation.
Upon rescue, Saroj Khan revealed he had been brutally beaten with deadly weapons, sustaining serious injuries to his back, belly, and other parts of the body. He is currently undergoing treatment at JNIMS Hospital, while Najakat has been remanded to four days in police custody.
A Deep History of Crime and Political Cover
This incident is far from an isolated one. Yumkhaibam Najakat is a name synonymous with fear and criminality in Khergao Yumkhaibam Leirak. Locals have long identified him as a major drug dealer and gangster, allegedly running one of the most extensive drug networks in Imphal East. His criminal history dates back to at least 2017, when at the age of 19, he was arrested by Porompat Police during a search operation on July 31 under the ND&PS Act. The FIR in that case was 236(7) 2017 U/S 147/148/149/384/427/224/353 IPC & 21(A) ND & PS ACT. Charges included extortion, rioting with deadly weapons, and drug trafficking.
Despite his notorious background, Najakat has somehow risen to the position of Secretary of YADA – an organisation ironically tasked with raiding drug users and sellers across Manipur. YADA was originally formed with the support of former BJP MLA of Kshetrigao, Nahakpam Indrajit, during his tenure. Their operations were even publicly praised multiple times by former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh as part of his “War on Drugs” campaign. In fact, on 12 April 2022, N. Biren Singh personally thanked YADA on Facebook for their support and cooperation in tackling drug smuggling in the state.
When Nahakpam Indrajit was MLA of Kshetrigao AC, he organised a function at his residence in which top police officers of Imphal East were present, including the SDC Porompat. During the event, he rewarded cash to YADA teams for their role in raids on drug smugglers and users. On another day during his tenure, YADA members and Nahakpam Bikash (Indrajit’s son) visited a rehabilitation centre to inspect the facilities. These actions clearly indicate that YADA is go hand in hand and backed by Nahakpam Indrajit Singh.
Politically, Yumkhaibam Najakat was a visible supporter of Nahakpam Indrajit, having joined his election campaigns.
Double Standards and Alleged Protection
While YADA has gained recognition for its anti-drug activities, the fact that a known drug lord like Yumkhaibam Najakat holds a key leadership position in the group has raised serious questions. Numerous arrests made by YADA have been linked back to Najakat himself, yet he remained untouched – a glaring double standard that suggests political patronage and protection.
A recent viral video on social media. In the video, a group try to raid a drug seller. The seller furiously confronted the raiders, saying, “I buy the drugs from your master Najakat. Why don’t you raid or arrest him?” This video has since gone viral, validating long-standing local claims that YADA is being used as a shield to protect Najakat’s criminal empire.
Communal Tension and Political Violence
A few months prior to the May 19 incident, the Arambai Tengol attempted to raid and nabbed a man in areas under Jurisdiction of YOVA and YADA Club according to Kshetrigao Meitei Pangal United Clubs press release,these clubs reportedly mobilised a crowd to overpower the raiders and allegedly incited communal tensions between Meitei and Pangal communities – a dangerous act in Manipur’s fragile socio-political landscape.
His crime diary does not end here. On April 5th of 2025, 100 men allegedly led by Najakat,Ajmal and others attacked the convoy of current Kshetrigao MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan. The attack occurred on 5th April 2025 at around 9:10 PM, while the MLA was returning home after dinner at his sister’s house. The ambush left several of the MLA’s escorts injured. A suo moto case was taken up by the police under FIR No. 77(4) 2025 PRT – PS U/S 191(2)/191(3)/190/117(2)/324(4)/109 BNS 2023 and 25(1-B)A. It is widely believed that the attack was politically motivated, stemming from rivalry between Najakat’s political mentor, Ex-MLA Indrajit, and current MLA Noorul Hassan.
Sexual Crime and Bail History
Adding to his long list of criminal allegations, Najakat was once arrested in connection with a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) case. The case added another layer of notoriety to his already infamous reputation.
Political Patronage: Fair Price Shop Agent Appointment
What raises further eyebrows is that Yumkhaibam Najakat is not just active in criminal and quasi-social fields – he is also the appointed fair price shop agent of Khergao Yumkhaibam Leirak. This appointment was made on 4th March 2025, via DC Imphal East Order No. 3/1/2024-DSO(CAF & PD)/IE, listed as Serial No. 104 under Kshetrigao Zone 4.
Agents are selected following the Justice Wadhwa Committee’s recommendations, which are meant to ensure transparency and merit in the public distribution system. Despite this, concerns were raised in the Manipur Legislative Assembly. On 12 August 2024, MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan brought this issue to the House, questioning how a man with ND&PS and POCSO charges could be appointed as an FPS agent. He called for transparency in the system and demanded a review of such appointments, urging the government to ensure that no criminal elements be entrusted with public service roles.
Conclusion: Drama of Deception or War on Drugs?
The case of Yumkhaibam Najakat is emblematic of the contradictions in Manipur’s anti-drug efforts. A man once arrested for drug trafficking and violent crimes is now leading an organisation supposedly fighting the same plague he once – and allegedly still – perpetuates. Locals view YADA as a smokescreen, shielding a drug empire that continues to operate under political protection.