In a sweeping crackdown across Manipur, security forces and state police arrested at least 13 militants in the past 24 hours, officials confirmed on Sunday. According to a senior police officer, those arrested are active operatives of various banned insurgent outfits and are allegedly involved in a range of illegal activities, especially extortion.
“We have received numerous complaints of extortion and unlawful actions by armed miscreants. In response, targeted operations have been launched to neutralize their activities,” said the officer.
Among those apprehended on Saturday were two operatives of the Kangleipak Communist Party – People’s War Group [KCP (PWG)] faction — 29-year-old Ningthoujam Kiran Meitei, alias Boinao, from Lairenkabi Mayai Leikai, and 45-year-old Sorokhaibam Inaocha Singh from Salam Mamang Leikai, both hailing from Imphal West district. The duo was reportedly extorting money from government offices, public departments, and individuals. Items recovered from them included 75 rounds of various types of ammunition (.303, 5.56 mm, and AK), two Baofeng radio sets, a bulletproof vest fitted with suspected improvised iron plates, a camouflage helmet, mobile phones, an Aadhaar card, a green backpack, and a four-wheeler vehicle.
In another operation on May 10, 21-year-old Abujam Manoj Singh, affiliated with the KCP (Apunba) faction, was arrested from Salam Maning Leikai under the Patsoi police station, Imphal West. Security forces seized 46 live rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition and a mobile phone from him.
Elsewhere, Sogolsem Thoithoi alias Samson (44), a known operative of the Revolutionary People’s Front/People’s Liberation Army (RPF/PLA), was apprehended from Mayang Langjing Kwaisphai, Lamsang. He is accused of extorting funds from local schools and the general public in the Imphal area.
Security forces also detained two operatives of the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak – Progressive [PREPAK (Pro)] faction. Ingudam Ingocha Singh alias Borobi (48), believed to be transporting arms, ammunition, and other supplies for the outfit, was arrested at Chingarel Tejpur in Imphal East. Meanwhile, Sarangthem Premananda Singh alias Nanao (35), allegedly involved in extortion, was captured in Wangoo Chairel Sabam, Kakching district.
In Imphal, authorities arrested 26-year-old Salam Kifson Luwang alias Loya, a member of the G5 group affiliated with PREPAK, for his role in extorting money in the valley region.
Additionally, four members of the KCP (Meitei Communist Progressive) faction were nabbed from different parts of Imphal West and Kakching districts on Friday. They have been identified as Hidangmayum Harishankar Sharma alias Ajay (32), Hidangmayum Naoba Sharma alias Nongthang (36), Oinam Jeet Singh alias Sanamani (42), and Laishram Inao Singh alias Loya/Sanjenaha (42). During their arrest, security forces seized two pistols with magazines, 27 live rounds, a three-wheeler, a two-wheeler, four mobile phones, wallets, and identity cards.
Two more individuals were arrested the same day: Ningombam Jiten Singh alias Bikramjit (45), a KCP (PWG) member, was taken into custody from Thoubal Ningombam Utha Leirak for extortion. Khangembam Ningthem Meitei alias Tomcha (51), affiliated with PREPAK (Pro), was arrested from his home in Ningel Awang Leikai under Nongpok Sekmai police station in Thoubal. He faces charges of extortion, illegal tax collection, and unlawful recruitment in the region.
Police and security forces continue to conduct widespread intelligence-driven combing operations and cordon-and-search activities throughout the state. Officials reiterated their commitment to eradicating insurgent activities and safeguarding the public from militant-led extortion rackets.
