In an intensified crackdown on extortion activities, Manipur Police have launched intelligence-based combing and cordon-and-search operations across the state, resulting in the arrest of several active militants affiliated with proscribed outfits.

On May 1, two active members of the banned outfit UNLF (Koireng) were apprehended by police from North AOC near the toilet complex opposite the MPSC office under Imphal Police Station, Imphal West District. The arrested individuals have been identified as Huidrom Pishak alias Pi (35) of Khuga Tampak Meitei Leikai, Churachandpur District, presently residing at Langol Game Village Zone-I, Imphal West, and Hanglem Thoiba Meitei alias Ibungo alias Tombung (28) of Khumujamba Meitei Leikai, Churachandpur, currently residing at Checkon, New Lambulane, Imphal East District.

During the operation, police recovered one 9 mm pistol loaded with two live rounds, a two-wheeler, and two mobile phones from their possession.

In a separate operation, security forces arrested one active cadre of the proscribed PREPAK (Pro) outfit, identified as Khundongbam Kalambiya Singh alias Atomba (19), from the Arong Bridge area under Thoubal Police Station in Thoubal District. He was reportedly involved in extortion activities in the Athokpam and Khangabok areas. Items recovered from him include one mobile phone, a wallet, an Aadhaar card, a PAN card, and a two-wheeler.

In yet another operation, Manipur Police apprehended another PREPAK (Pro) cadre identified as Chandramani Chandam alias Tamyanganba alias Gambhir (42) of Lairenkabi Maning Leikai under Lamsang Police Station, Imphal West District.

Police have reiterated their commitment to continue such operations to root out extortion and militant activity from the state.