Security forces have apprehended three militants in Manipur belonging to two banned insurgent groups for their alleged involvement in widespread extortion activities, police officials confirmed.
According to a senior police officer, one active member of the proscribed People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) was arrested on Sunday from Porompat DC Road in Imphal East district. The individual was reportedly engaged in extorting money from local shops, government officials, and various establishments. Authorities recovered nine demand letters from his possession.
On the same day, another militant affiliated with the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) was taken into custody from Khurai, also in Imphal East. He is accused of carrying out extortion operations targeting fuel stations across Imphal.
A third arrest linked to the same outfit was made on Saturday in Lilong, located in the Thoubal district. The crackdown is part of ongoing operations by security forces aimed at restoring law and order in the violence-stricken state.
Manipur has witnessed intensified search operations ever since ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities erupted in May 2023. The unrest has resulted in over 260 deaths and displaced thousands of residents.
In a significant political development, the Central government imposed President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The state assembly, whose term extends to 2027, currently remains under suspended animation.
