In a major crackdown on extortion activities operating in the state, security forces arrested five active militants in coordinated, intelligence-driven operations across Thoubal, Tengnoupal, and Kakching districts on May 26.

The most significant breakthrough occurred in Thoubal District with the arrest of two KCP (PWG) cadres along National Highway 102 near Samaram Lamkhai, under the jurisdiction of Khongjom Police Station. The arrested individuals have been identified as Phuritshabam Modhulan Singh alias Ashokumar (43), a resident of Salungpham Mayai Leikai, and Gurumayum Basanta Sharma alias Munda and Chingkhei (41), from Singjamei Bamon Leikai Nahabam in Imphal East District.

During the operation, security personnel recovered two demand letters on KCP(PWG) letterhead, two mobile phones, and three SIM cards from the duo. The recovered materials are expected to yield critical insights into the extortion operations and internal workings of the militant outfit.

In a separate operation in Tengnoupal District, two militants belonging to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were apprehended near Moirengthel Village, opposite Border Pillar Number 89. The accused were identified as Maisnam Surjit Singh (29) from Singjamei Chingamathak Leikai in Imphal West District, and Konthoujam Dijen Meitei (20) from Yambem Makha Leikai, Yairipok Andro in Imphal East District.

The third arrest took place in Kakching District, where KYKL (SOREPA) cadre Mayanglambam Premkumar alias Tingba Meitei (35) was apprehended in the Chajing Khunou area under Sugnu Police Station. The accused, a resident of Kakching Khunou Umathel Makha Leikai, was found in possession of a mobile handset.

These simultaneous operations underscore the security forces’ intensified efforts to dismantle extortion networks that have long plagued local businesses and communities.