Four militants arrested in Manipur for alleged extortion targeting schools

Security forces have arrested four militants belonging to the banned outfit United National Liberation Front (Pambei faction) during an operation in Imphal, police said on Saturday. The arrests were made from the New Checkon area in Imphal East district of Manipur as part of intensified operations against insurgent activities in the state.

Police identified the arrested militants as Koijam Sunder Meitei , Thangjam Suraj Singh , Sanjrambam Ravi Singh , and Ningombam Nepon Meitei , all residents of Imphal East district. Officials said the group was allegedly involved in extortion activities targeting schools and colleges in the Imphal valley region.

During the operation, security personnel recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and other incriminating materials from their possession. The seized items included two pistols with live rounds , Rs 2.6 lakh in cash , six mobile phones, wallets, identity documents and two suspected fake arms licences . A Mahindra Scorpio vehicle believed to have been used by the militants was also seized during the operation.

Investigators also recovered a diary containing a list of educational institutions allegedly targeted for extortion by the outfit. Officials said the document is being examined to identify victims and possible collaborators linked to the network.

Police said the accused militants are currently being interrogated to determine their role within the organisation and to uncover their operational network in the region. Electronic devices and documents seized during the operation are also being analysed as part of the investigation.

In a related development, security forces also arrested another insurgent linked to the banned outfit Kangleipak Communist Party during separate operations in the state.

Authorities said such operations are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle militant networks and curb insurgent-linked extortion activities in Manipur.