Imphal, 07 December (HS): Security forces have mounted a renewed offensive against insurgent-linked extortion in Manipur, arresting 11 active cadres from various underground groups in a series of coordinated operations in last 24 hours. The intensified crackdown covered Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching districts, signalling a strong push to dismantle militant networks operating in the valley region.

The latest sweep began in Imphal West, where personnel picked up PREPAK (PRO)–G5 alliance cadre Irom Boyai Singh alias Yaitanba (24) from Nagamapal Kangjabi Leirak. Singh, a resident of Keibul Lamjao in Bishnupur, was carrying a mobile phone at the time of his arrest.

Not long after, Thoubal Police arrested Usham Tomba Singh alias Heibra (24), an active KYKL operative, from Saikon Labuk. Officers recovered a mobile handset from him.

A separate team made another breakthrough by apprehending Thokchom Angousana Singh alias Santosh (52) of the RPF/PLA from Heirok Part-II near Heirok Gate. One mobile phone and a SIM card were seized.

In Kakching district, police detained KCP (MFL) cadre Keisham Thamba Singh alias Pritam (32) from his home at Sekmaijin Khoidum under Hiyanglam Police Station.

Security forces in Imphal West further nabbed UNLF (Koireng) operative Hijam Marjit Singh alias Dhamen (51) from Minuthong. According to police, he had been issuing monetary demands and extorting truckers along the Imphal–Dimapur highway in the name of the G5 alliance. A mobile phone was recovered.

Thoubal district units also arrested UNLF (Koireng) extortionist Soibam Basanta Singh alias Samthaba (37) from Laiphrakpam Mamang Leikai, seizing a mobile phone and SIM card.

In another decisive action under Yairipok Police Station, two active cadres of KCP (Apunba) — Konsam Anao Singh (26) and Khoirom Langamba Meitei (27) — were apprehended. The team seized a carbine SMG with two empty magazines, a mobile phone and a two-wheeler.

The crackdown continued in Bishnupur, where PREPAK cadre Thokchom Sushilkumar alias Amo (34) was intercepted at Tera Urak Checking Point.

Imphal West Police later detained KCP (Apunba) cadre Sinam Deven Singh (25) from Lamboikhongnangkhong along with a mobile phone and two SIM cards.

A day earlier, in Kakching Lamkhai, police caught KCP (Taibanganba) cadre Wangkhem Chinglen Singh (29) on the Indo–Burma Sugnu route, recovering a mobile handset and a diesel auto.

Officials said the sustained series of arrests reflects a sharpened strategy to disrupt extortion channels, weaken insurgent financing and target active operatives across the valley districts. Investigations in all cases are currently in progress, police PRO added.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash