In a significant crackdown, security forces in Manipur have apprehended ten militants belonging to various proscribed insurgent groups for their alleged involvement in extortion activities. The arrests, detailed in a police statement issued on Sunday, were carried out over several days across multiple districts of the state.
Widespread Operations Across Three Districts
The coordinated operations targeted the networks of banned outfits in the districts of Thoubal, Kakching, and Imphal West. The arrests were made over the last couple of days, dealing a blow to organized extortion rackets that have been troubling the region.
Key Arrests and Seizures
On Friday, an active cadre of the outlawed United National Liberation Front (Koireng) was arrested from Minuthong in Imphal West district. The insurgent, identified as Hijam Marjit Singh (51), was allegedly involved in extorting money from truck drivers using the crucial Imphal-Dimapur Road. Another member of the same outfit was arrested the same day from Laiphrakpam Mamang in Thoubal district.
Also on Friday, security forces nabbed two cadres of the banned KCP (Apunba) faction from the Yairipok Wangkhem area in Thoubal. They were named as Konsam Anao Singh (26) and Khoirom Langamba Meitei (27). A significant seizure was made from their possession: an SMG carbine along with two empty magazines.
Continued Action Over the Weekend
The crackdown continued through Saturday. Police arrested two active members of the banned KCP (MFL) outfit from Sekmaijin Khoidum in Kakching district. In separate operations, one cadre of the PREPAK group was held at the Tera Urak check-point, while another from the PREPAK (PRO) faction was arrested from Nagamapal Kangjabi Leirak in Imphal West district.
Further arrests included an active cadre of KCP (Apunba) from Lamboikhongnangkhong in Imphal West on Saturday, and a member of KCP (Taibanganba) from Kakching Lamkhai in Kakching district on Thursday. Additionally, an active cadre of the proscribed Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup outfit was arrested from Kairembikhok in Thoubal district on Saturday.
A Blow to Insurgent Funding
This multi-day operation represents a concerted effort by Manipur's security apparatus to disrupt the financial channels of various militant groups. Extortion from businesses and transporters, particularly on key highways like the Imphal-Dimapur route, has been a primary source of funding for these banned organizations. The arrests signal a firm stance against such activities aimed at restoring a sense of security for local businesses and commuters.
