In a major crackdown on extortion activities, Manipur Police arrested seven militants belonging to different insurgent groups on Thursday. The arrests were made in separate operations across Imphal West, Kakching, and Thoubal districts.

In the first operation, police apprehended four active cadres of the Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) – Takhelmayum Victor (23), Huidrom Vikash Singh alias Sanamacha (25), Oinam Naocha alias Max (19), and Awungshi John (33) – from their camp at Kameng Sabal under Lamsang Police Station, Imphal West.

The group was allegedly involved in extortion, serving monetary demands, and collecting money from the general public, shops, stone crushers, government employees, and pharmacies in and around Imphal. Items seized by Police include three .32 pistols loaded with seven rounds, two 9mm pistols loaded with ten rounds, one empty 9mm shell casing, 113 donation cards.

In a separate operation, Manipur Police arrested Moirangthem Gobin alias Khaba Meitei (38), an active cadre of KCP (City Meitei), from the Erumpal area of Kakching district. He was reportedly involved in extortion activities targeting the general public in Kakching and Thoubal districts.

Another militant, Pebam Dhakeshor Singh (51), an active cadre of the PREPAK (PRO) outfit, was arrested from Singjamei Okram Leikai under Singjamei Police Station, Imphal West. He was allegedly involved in extorting money from the general public in Singjamei using a mobile phone provided by his associate, Sanajaoba. Police recovered one mobile phone, one wallet, one Aadhaar card and a voter ID.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on extortion and militant activities in the region. Further investigations are underway.