Manipur Police, in joint operations with security forces, have arrested five militants from three proscribed outfits in Bishnupur, Imphal West, and Imphal East districts for alleged involvement in extortion and possession of illegal arms.

Police said on Monday that an active cadre of the banned United National Liberation Front (Pambei), identified as Thoudam Bobby Singh (50), was apprehended on Saturday from Toubul Mayai Leikai in Bishnupur district. He was found carrying a .303 rifle with magazines, five additional magazines of different rifles, one hand grenade, 501 live rounds of various calibres, and other incriminating items.

On Sunday, four more militants were arrested from different parts of the state — two belonging to the Kangleipak Communist Party (City Meitei) faction, and one each from KCP (PWG) and KCP (Ibungo Ngangom group).

According to officials, these outfits have been involved in large-scale extortion across the state. In response, the government has established an integrated anti-extortion cell comprising the Central Armed Police Force, state police, the Army, and the Assam Rifles.