Security forces have arrested two militants belonging to different proscribed outfits for their involvement in extortion activities during separate operations conducted in Imphal West and Jiribam districts within the last 24 hours.

According to police reports, the arrests followed intensive intelligence-based combing and cordon-and-search operations targeting individuals involved in extortion across the state.

On Monday, a team from Manipur Police apprehended an active cadre of the banned outfit PREPAK (Pro) from Langthabal Kunja Awang Leikai, Yambem Leirak Machin under Singjamei Police Station in Imphal West district. The arrested individual has been identified as Hijam Ngamba Meetei, 24, of Sagolband Thangjam Leirak, Imphal West. He was reportedly involved in extortion targeting doctors and local business establishments.

Police recovered one pistol with a magazine loaded with two rounds of 7.65 mm ammunition, two mobile phones, and a two-wheeler from his possession.

In a separate operation, another militant affiliated with the proscribed outfit PLA was arrested from Jiribam Bazar under Jiribam Police Station. The individual, identified as Sairem Basanta Singh alias Bomcha alias Angamba, 39, of Lakhipur Ward No. 8, was also engaged in extortion activities, police said.

The arrested individuals, along with the seized items, have been handed over to the respective police stations for further legal action, the report added.