In a major crackdown on militant activities, Manipur Police on Saturday arrested four active members of the United National Liberation Front (P) from the New Checkon area of Imphal for their alleged involvement in extortion targeting schools and colleges across the valley.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Koijam Sunder Meitei (29) of Khewa Phurju in Imphal East district, Thangjam Suraj Singh (27), also known as Lukhoi, from Khewa Phurju Mayai Leikai in Imphal East, Sanjrambam Ravi Singh (30) of Yumnam Patlou Awang Leikai in Imphal East, and Ningombam Nepon Meitei (30) of Khewa Phurju Awang Leikai in Imphal East.

According to police sources, the group had been actively extorting money from educational institutions in the valley. During the operation, security personnel recovered two pistols, including a 7.62 pistol with a magazine loaded with seven rounds and a .32 pistol with a magazine containing ten rounds. Police also seized a black Mahindra Scorpio vehicle along with its key, cash amounting to ₹2.60 lakh, six mobile phones, two suspected fake arms licences, two wallets, three Aadhaar cards, and a diary containing a list of schools allegedly targeted for extortion by the outfit.

In a separate operation on March 13, security forces also arrested an active cadre of the Kangleipak Communist Party (Apunba) from Thangal Bazar in Imphal. The arrested individual has been identified as Moirangthem Hemba Singh (26), also known as Laiba, a resident of Pungdongbam Mayai Leikai in Imphal East district. A mobile phone was recovered from his possession.

Police said further investigation into both cases is underway.