Security forces in Manipur have intensified combing and cordon-and-search operations across the state to crack down on extortion activities, leading to several arrests over the past few days.

On Thursday, four active members of the KCP (MFL) were arrested from Lamding Khumanthem Leikai, Thoubal district, for involvement in extortion, kidnapping, and monetary demands at banks and government offices. The arrested were identified as Ningthoujam Amitra Singh alias Avatar (29), Phairembam Manglemnganba Meitei alias Pibarel (21), Chesaba Umar Ali (22), and Yumnam Angaosana Singh alias Thoibi (21). Seized from them were a 9 mm country-made pistol with a magazine, three live rounds, a No. 36 HE hand grenade, four mobile phones, and five SIM cards.

In a separate operation, Manipur Police on Wednesday arrested three active cadres of the UNLF(P) from Lilong Bridge along NH-102, Thoubal district, in connection with the kidnapping of Md. Sadam Hussain (27) from the RIMS complex, Lamphel. The rescued victim was safely recovered. The arrested were Laishram Amarjit Singh alias Tompok (36), Khumanthem Motilal Singh (26), and Yumnam Hitlar Meitei alias Amu (36), from whom a 9 mm pistol with three live rounds was seized.

Additional operations led to the arrest of Hidam Aboy Singh alias Atapa (30) of KCP (Noyon) from Lamlai, Imphal East district; Khundrakpam Naresh Singh alias Boicha (30) of KCP (PWG) from Ningthoukhong Kha Keirungba Leikai, Bishnupur district; and Shanjenbam Chandramani Singh alias Boinao (52) of KCP (PWG) from Imphal West, all for their involvement in extortion activities targeting the public, government offices, and businesses.

Further arrests included Sagolsem Bobo Meetei (26) of KCP (PWG) near Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, Imphal East, and Yumnam Bidyasagar Meitei alias Sagar (22) of KCP (Noyon-MFL) from Sekmai Bazar, Imphal West.