In an intensified effort to combat widespread extortion, Manipur Police reported the arrest of more than two dozen persons affiliated with groups like UNLF, KCP, RPF/PLA, Prepak (PRO), and KYKL between April 20 and 26. The operations spanned multiple districts and led to the recovery of significant arms, ammunition, and cash, aiming to dismantle the financial networks supporting militant activities in the region
BY PC Bureau
April 27, 2025 — In a decisive push against extortion rackets plaguing Manipur, the Manipur Police arrested more than two dozen persons and seized a significant cache of weapons over the past week (April 20–26), targeting members of proscribed militant outfits across multiple districts. The operations, focused on dismantling networks extorting money from businesses, hospitals, and educational institutions, have yielded critical breakthroughs in restoring security in the region.
Week of Intensified Operations
According to updates from the Manipur Police, shared via their official X handle and corroborated by local reports, the arrests were made in connection with extortion activities primarily in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, and Bishnupur districts. The operations targeted cadres of various banned groups, including the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Revolutionary People’s Front/People’s Liberation Army (RPF/PLA), Prepak (PRO), and Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL).
On April 20, a major sweep resulted in the arrest of at least 12 persons explicitly linked to extortion. In Imphal East, two UNLF (Pambei) cadres and one each from Prepak (PRO) and KYKL were apprehended for extorting local businesses. In Imphal West, two KCP (MFL) members were detained for similar activities. A midnight raid in Thoubal district saw seven KCP (People’s War Group) militants arrested, with police recovering arms and ammunition, though specific details of the weapons remain undisclosed.
Intelligence based combing operations and cordon and search operations are being carried out extensively to nab the culprits involved in extortion activities in the state.
During such operations, the following arrests were made:
On 26.04.2025, Manipur Police arrested 01 (one)… pic.twitter.com/m9YGk2tw2h— Manipur Police (@manipur_police) April 27, 2025
On April 21, 2025, police apprehended Longjam Tony Singh (37) from Thangmeiband Polem Leikai, Imphal West District. The arrest of this active cadre of the Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) occurred near Kekrupat, close to Mangal Hospital, under the jurisdiction of Imphal Police Station in Imphal West District. Singh is implicated in extortion, specifically in issuing monetary demands and threats to the public in the Imphal area. Authorities confiscated two mobile handsets from him.
On April 24, six more arrests were made. In Imphal West, near RIMS Hospital, three UNLF (P) cadres—Heisnam Thomas Singh, Arambam Tomtom, and Ningombam Manao Meitei—were nabbed for extorting hospitals and toll tax booths. Seized items included six mobile phones, Rs 1,13,910 in cash, two wallets, two Aadhaar cards, and a four-wheeler vehicle. In Imphal East, two KCP (City Meitei) members, Yaikhom Kiran Meitei and Nongthombam Ratan Singh, were arrested for targeting petrol pumps, with police recovering mobile phones and a two-wheeler.
Additionally, in Imphal West, one RPF/PLA cadre, Leiphrakpam Sanatomba Meitei, was detained for extorting educational institutions, with Rs 30,000 in cash, a mobile phone, and a two-wheeler seized.
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On April 26, seven more individuals were arrested in two separate operations explicitly tied to extortion activities. While specific details of the outfits involved were not fully disclosed, these arrests underscored the police’s relentless pursuit of extortion networks.
Weapon Seizures
While many extortion-related arrests involved non-weapon seizures like cash, vehicles, and mobile phones, several operations yielded arms recoveries. In Thoubal, on April 20, the arrest of KCP (PWG) cadres led to the seizure of unspecified arms and ammunition. A broader operation on April 26 in Bishnupur district’s Kelpha road and Khuman area uncovered a substantial arsenal, including a Carbine Machine Gun, a .303 rifle, four single-barrel guns, two country-made 9 mm pistols, two hand grenades, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs weighing 2.2 kg and 1.7 kg), tube grenade launching equipment, tear smoke and smoke grenades, various live and empty cartridges, a bulletproof helmet, and a Baofeng communication set with four chargers.
While this seizure was part of efforts to curb militant activities, its direct link to extortion cases remains unconfirmed.
Earlier operations on April 19–20, which may overlap with the week’s timeline, also recovered an AK-series weapon, an INSAS rifle, a sniper rifle, a 12-bore weapon, and other war-like materials in Imphal West and Thoubal, primarily from KCP (PWG) suspects.
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The arrests and seizures reflect a coordinated strategy by Manipur Police and security forces to dismantle the financial backbone of militant groups, which rely heavily on extortion to fund their activities. Imphal East and West, being urban hubs, have been focal points for targeting high-value extortion rackets, while rural Thoubal and Bishnupur have seen efforts to curb armed militant presence.
A senior police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized the operations’ significance: “These arrests strike at the heart of the extortion ecosystem. By targeting both the foot soldiers and their resources, we aim to restore confidence among businesses and citizens.”
Despite the successes, challenges remain. Some police updates, particularly for April 25 and 27, lacked detailed breakdowns of arrests or seizures, limiting clarity on the full scope of operations. Additionally, while weapon seizures were significant, their direct connection to extortion-specific arrests was not always explicit, as many recoveries occurred in broader anti-militancy operations.
Impact on Business
Extortion casts a long shadow over business activity in affected regions, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty that stifles economic growth. The imposition of illegal monetary demands forces businesses to operate under duress, diverting crucial capital away from investment, expansion, and job creation. This not only erodes profitability but can also lead to the closure of enterprises unable or unwilling to meet these unlawful demands, resulting in job losses and a shrinking economic base. The constant threat of violence and intimidation undermines investor confidence, deterring both domestic and foreign capital from entering the region. Moreover, the cost of extortion can be passed on to consumers through inflated prices, further dampening economic activity and reducing purchasing power. 1 Ultimately, the pervasive impact of extortion creates a climate of instability that hinders sustainable development and perpetuates a cycle of economic stagnation.
As Manipur grapples with the complex interplay of militancy and crime, this week’s operations mark a significant step toward disrupting extortion networks and ensuring public safety. For further details on the operations, the public can follow updates from the Manipur Police’s official channels.
