Security forces in Manipur have arrested two active cadres of banned militant outfits—Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) [KCP (PWG)] and United National Liberation Front (P) [UNLF (P)]—in separate operations carried out on consecutive days, dealing a major blow to extortion rackets, unlawful arbitration, and underground recruitment drives.

On June 29, a joint team of security personnel apprehended 38-year-old Mutum Dinesh Singh, an active member of KCP (PWG), from Leirongthel Pitra near a primary school under Nongpok Sekmai Police Station in Thoubal district. A resident of Yairipok Nungbrang Makha Leikai, Imphal East, he was reportedly involved in extortion from civilians, kidnapping, and recruitment of fresh cadres for the banned outfit. Items recovered from him include two mobile phones with SIM cards, three ATM cards, identity documents such as PAN card, Aadhaar card, and driving license.

In a separate operation on June 30, Khangembam Bishal Singh, alias Pakpa or Lainingthou, a 19-year-old cadre of UNLF (P), was arrested from Khurai Kongpal Thoubandong under Porompat Police Station in Imphal East. A resident of Phougakchao Ikhai Bazar in Bishnupur district, Bishal was allegedly involved in conducting illegal arbitration through parallel justice systems or “kangaroo courts,” especially in land disputes, crimes against women, and loan recovery cases across valley areas. Recovered items from his possession include an unregistered white Mahindra Bolero, three mobile phones, and ₹1,030 in cash.

Officials said the arrests mark a significant development in curbing the activities of insurgent groups operating in Manipur and preventing alternative justice systems that challenge the rule of law.