Imphal: In a decisive blow to militant-led extortion rackets, security forces arrested five active insurgents across Thoubal, Tengnoupal, and Kakching districts of Manipur during intelligence-led operations conducted on May 26.
The coordinated crackdown targeted operatives from several proscribed groups involved in systematically threatening local businesses and civilians for money.
The most significant arrest occurred along National Highway 102 near Samaram Lamkhai in Thoubal District, where two cadres of the Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) — Phuritshabam Modhulan Singh, alias Ashokumar (43), and Gurumayum Basanta Sharma, also known as Munda and Chingkhei (41) — were apprehended.
Singh hails from Salungpham Mayai Leikai, while Sharma is from Singjamei Bamon Leikai Nahabam in Imphal East District. Security forces recovered two demand letters bearing the KCP (PWG) insignia, two mobile phones, and three SIM cards, which are expected to yield critical information on the group’s extortion strategies and wider network.
In Tengnoupal District, two members of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were arrested near Moirengthel Village, opposite Border Pillar Number 89. The militants were identified as 29-year-old Maisnam Surjit Singh from Singjamei Chingamathak Leikai in Imphal West, and 20-year-old Konthoujam Dijen Meitei from Yairipok Andro’s Yambem Makha Leikai in Imphal East.
A third operation in Kakching District led to the arrest of Mayanglambam Premkumar, alias Tingba Meitei (35), a known operative of KYKL (SOREPA). Premkumar, who hails from Kakching Khunou Umathel Makha Leikai, was apprehended in the Chajing Khunou area under Sugnu Police Station. He was found with a mobile phone, which authorities believe may contain leads on his extortion activities.
These arrests reflect the security forces’ coordinated and assertive approach to dismantling the extortion infrastructure that continues to destabilize local economies and communities. All suspects are currently in custody, with further interrogations and follow-up operations underway.
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