Security forces arrested 12 militants belonging to various banned outfits and two illegal arms dealers during coordinated operations across Manipur on Tuesday, police said on Wednesday.

Seven active militants, including four cadres of the proscribed People’s Liberation Army (PLA), two of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), and one from the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), were apprehended near Yongkhul village in Tengnoupal district.

In a separate operation, three individuals, including an active cadre of the banned United National Liberation Front (UNLF-Pambei faction), were arrested from Pukhao Ahallup Makha Leikai in Imphal East. They were allegedly involved in the illegal trafficking and sale of arms and ammunition, reportedly waiting to sell a seized cache worth Rs 3.5 lakh to an unidentified buyer.

The arrested UNLF cadre has been identified as Naorem Naocha Meitei (38), while the other two are Leishangthem Inaoton Singh (23) and Ayekpam Boiboy Meitei (26). An INSAS rifle with a magazine and eight rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition were recovered from them.

In Thoubal district’s Lilong Nungei area, security forces apprehended Huidrom Jiban (45), an active member of KCP (PWG), accused of extorting money by issuing threats to residents in the valley.

Additionally, two active cadres of the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) were arrested near Koirengei Kabui Khul Gate in Imphal East.

Another KCP (PWG) militant, Khundongbam Prithibiraj Meitei (23), was arrested from Wangbal in Thoubal district. He was allegedly involved in multiple extortion and criminal activities targeting businesses, educational institutions, fuel stations, and other establishments. A high-explosive hand grenade was recovered from his possession.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing and more arrests may follow.