Security forces have arrested seven militants affiliated with various banned insurgent groups in multiple districts of Manipur, including Churachandpur, Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, and Thoubal, police said on Saturday.

In Churachandpur district, Thongkhohou Touthang (34), an active cadre of the Chin Kuki National Defence Force (CKNDF)—a non-SoO group based in Moreh and Myanmar—was apprehended from Tuibong on Thursday. Authorities said he was involved in recruiting youths for armed insurgency, cross-border arms and cadre movement, and extortion.

In Imphal East, two cadres of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (PWG) were arrested from Yourbung Ward No. 2 on Friday, while another cadre of the same outfit was arrested from Mayang Langjing in Imphal West on Thursday. All three were involved in extortion activities, police added.

Separately, Oinam Milan Singh (53), a cadre of the banned PREPAK (Pro), was arrested from Wangkhei Ayangpalli in Imphal East on Friday. He was reportedly extorting money from government offices and civilians through threats.

Another PREPAK (Pro) operative, Ningthoujam Abungte Singh alias Thoujal (36), was held in Tronglaobi Makha Leikai, Bishnupur district, on Thursday. He was allegedly engaged in recruiting youths for the group to be sent to training camps in Myanmar.

Meanwhile, Hijam Jiten, an active cadre of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF-Pambei), was arrested from Sangaiyumpham Cherapur Mayai Leikai in Thoubal district. He was allegedly extorting money from educational institutions in the Thoubal and Imphal areas.

In a separate operation, security forces also recovered four firearms—including two bolt-action single-barrel rifles, a .22 bolt-action rifle, and a 9mm pistol with magazine and ammunition—from Kailenjang village and its surrounding areas in Senapati district on Friday.