Four Militants Arrested in Manipur Over Alleged Extortion

Four alleged militants linked to two banned insurgent outfits were arrested in Kakching and Imphal East districts of Manipur for their alleged involvement in extortion, police said on Saturday, underscoring the continued presence of underground networks in the state's Imphal Valley.

The four were arrested on Friday in separate operations. Three were allegedly associated with SOREPA, while the fourth was identified as a cadre of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Two SOREPA cadres were arrested from their residential locality in Kakching Khunou Umathel Awang Leikai, under Waikhong police station limits in Kakching district. They were identified as Mayanglambam Nimaichand, 25, and Mayanglambam Khoiraba, 27.

Another alleged SOREPA cadre, Md Majahar Ali, 52, was apprehended from the Checkon area of Imphal East.

The fourth accused, Pheiroijam Karanjoy Singh, 25, an alleged PLA cadre, was arrested from Seijang Awang in Imphal East. Police said a hand grenade, an empty INSAS rifle magazine and three empty rifle cartridge cases were recovered from his residence.

The arrests are significant amid continuing efforts by security agencies to disrupt extortion and fundraising networks allegedly operated by banned insurgent groups. Recent operations across Manipur have similarly targeted suspected cadres accused of collecting money through threats, highlighting the financial dimension of the state's long-running insurgency.

The PLA, along with its political wing, the Revolutionary People's Front, is among the organisations declared unlawful by the Centre under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Its involvement also reflects the older insurgency in Manipur, which predates the ethnic violence that erupted in 2023.

The state's security situation remains complicated by the prolonged Meitei-Kuki conflict, which has killed around 260 people and displaced more than 60,000 since May 2023, according to Reuters. Violence has periodically resurfaced despite efforts towards stabilisation.

Manipur also returned to elected government in February 2026, when Yumnam Khemchand Singh became Chief Minister after President's Rule was revoked. However, insurgent activity, community tensions and security incidents continue to challenge normalisation.

The Centre has also retained AFSPA in parts of Manipur, reflecting continuing concerns over the security environment.

The latest arrests therefore represent more than a routine counter-insurgency operation. They highlight the continued need to tackle armed networks, illegal weapons and extortion while pursuing political dialogue, community reconciliation and rehabilitation of displaced people for lasting peace in the state.