Manipur security forces intensified operations against militant activity in Imphal East district over two days, arresting four individuals linked to banned outfits on charges of recruitment and extortion, officials said.

On January 18, two active cadres of the National Revolutionary Front of Manipur (NRFM) were arrested from the New Checkon area under Porompat Police Station. The arrested persons were identified as Phamdom Mangalsana Singh alias Chingsanglakpa (34) of Phumlou Awang Leikai and Moirangthem Nepolian Meitei alias Chingkhei (26) of Ngangkha Lawai Maning Leikai. Officials said the duo was involved in recruiting new cadres for the outfit. Two mobile phones were seized from their possession.
On the same day, security personnel also arrested an alleged extortionist linked to the United National Liberation Front (UNLF).

The accused, Ningthoujam Sanathoi Singh (26) of Yourabung Khunou Ward IV under Lamlai Police Station, was arrested from his residence. A mobile phone was recovered during the operation.

Earlier, on January 17, an active cadre of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP–Noyon faction) was arrested from Keirao Wangkhem Maning Leikai under the Irilbung Police Station. The individual was identified as Puthem Iton Meitei alias Tomba (33), from whose possession a mobile phone was seized.

Officials said further investigation is underway to ascertain the wider network and possible links connected to the arrested cadres.