From extortion to arms smuggling, insurgent groups in Manipur are making a comeback, taking advantage of the ongoing unrest. As police ramp up crackdowns, security concerns continue to escalate in the violence-hit state.
BY PC Burau
Manipur has witnessed a sharp rise in crime over the past four months, with valley-based insurgent groups driving the surge. According to data released by the Manipur Police on X, between November 1, 2024, and February 23, 2025, the state recorded 80 cases of extortion, alongside 22 incidents of drug smuggling and 12 cases of illegal arms possession, reports NDTV.
While these numbers reflect official reports, the true extent of criminal activity may be higher, as many cases remain unreported. Police officials attribute the rising figures in the valley to increased patrolling and improved crime reporting, but they acknowledge that law enforcement remains weak in the hill regions due to ethnic divisions.
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insurgent Groups Behind the Crimes
An analysis of police data shows that the Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) [KCP (PWG)] has been the most active in extortion-related crimes. Reports suggest that the group is allegedly operating as “hired guns” in the valley, targeting civilians and businesses for extortion. Formed as a splinter faction of KCP, the PWG is known for its ruthless extortion rackets, often threatening businessmen, government officials, and even civilians who fail to pay protection money. Their resurgence has heightened tensions in the already volatile region.
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Other major insurgent groups linked to criminal activities include:
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People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Progressive) [PREPAK (PRO)] – second-highest reported cases. Originally founded to establish an independent Manipur, PREPAK (PRO) has increasingly relied on extortion and drug trafficking to fund its operations. Intelligence reports indicate that the group has been forging ties with cross-border drug networks, using the Myanmar route to smuggle narcotics into India.
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People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and its political wing, the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) – linked to eight reported cases. One of the most organized insurgent outfits in Manipur, the PLA has a history of guerrilla warfare against Indian security forces. However, dwindling ideological support has pushed the group toward criminal activities such as arms smuggling and kidnapping for ransom. Their involvement in the recent spike in extortion cases suggests a shift from political insurgency to outright criminal enterprise.
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PREPAK, Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), and various factions of KCP and UNLF – also identified in police records. KYKL, in particular, has been involved in a series of targeted killings and extortion drives in the valley. This group has a long history of attacking those it perceives as traitors to its cause, including former cadres and informants. Meanwhile, factions of KCP and UNLF continue to exploit the region’s instability, with some splinter groups reportedly aligning with international smuggling networks.
Security officials have also noted the resurgence of banned Meitei insurgent groups such as PLA and KYKL, which had been largely dormant for over a decade. Their return to Manipur since May 2023 is attributed to the weakening of Myanmar’s military junta, which had previously kept them in check.
Crime Breakdown and Police Response
Among the 131 reported cases:
- Extortion – 80 cases
- Drug smuggling – 22 cases
- Illegal arms possession – 12 cases
- Kidnapping – 9 cases
- Cash recovery – 2 cases
- Arson, infiltration, and targeted killing – 1 case each
The police did not specify the nature of crimes in 11 cases, and the groups responsible remain unnamed in 27 cases.
Crackdown Under President’s Rule
Since the imposition of President’s Rule on February 13, security forces have intensified operations, leading to multiple arrests and the recovery of illegal firearms.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has issued a seven-day ultimatum for all communities to surrender looted and illegal weapons, with the deadline set to expire on Thursday. Authorities have warned of stricter crackdowns if weapons are not voluntarily handed over.
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 2023, with continued clashes between the Meitei community and various Kuki tribes. The conflict, rooted in disputes over land rights and political representation, has further destabilized security in the state.
