Arrests Linked to Multiple Militant Groups Involved in Extortion and Recruitment
Imphal, May 17 — Security forces have apprehended seven militants from different insurgent groups across various districts of Manipur, police confirmed on Saturday. The arrests were part of a coordinated crackdown on militant activities including extortion and recruitment for armed insurgency.Two members of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) or KCP (PWG) were arrested on Friday in Imphal East district. Both individuals were allegedly involved in extortion operations.
Another key arrest was made on Thursday in Tuibong, Churachandpur district, where security forces detained an active member of the Chin Kuki National Defence Force (CKNDF). Authorities stated that the individual was engaged in recruiting local youth for the CKNDF's armed wing and facilitating cross-border movement of arms and personnel.
In Imphal East, an active cadre of the banned People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Progressive), or PREPAK (Pro), was arrested from Wangkhei Ayangpalli on Friday for alleged extortion involvement. Another PREPAK (Pro) militant was arrested on Thursday in Imphal West’s Mayang Langjing area.
Thoubal district also witnessed a key arrest, where a member of the banned United National Liberation Front (Pambei faction) was caught in Sangaiyumpham Cherapur Mayai Leikai area, also for extortion-related activities.
Further, in Bishnupur district's Tronglaobi Makha Leikai, an active PREPAK (Pro) cadre was arrested on Thursday. The individual was reportedly involved in recruiting youths for insurgent training in Myanmar.
Meanwhile, security forces seized four firearms in Senapati district on Friday. The cache included two bolt-action single-barrel rifles, a .22 bolt-action rifle, and a 9 mm pistol with a magazine.
Authorities emphasized that these actions are part of ongoing efforts to suppress insurgent networks operating within the state.