Security forces in Manipur have stepped up their fight against extortion and militant-linked criminal activities, carrying out a series of intelligence-based combing and cordon operations that have led to multiple arrests in recent days. On August 8, police teams from Imphal East district apprehended four suspects near Hanuman Mandir in Telipati under Porompat police station. The accused — Oinam Laleiba Meitei (23), Konjengbam Bungka (34), and Oinam Sanjoy (30), all from Wangkhei Khunou, along with Laishram Yaiphaba Singh (31) of New Checkon — were allegedly engaged in extorting money from shopkeepers and local residents. Two Honda Activa scooters believed to have been used in their operations were seized.
In a separate operation the same day, an active member of the proscribed Revolutionary People’s Front/People’s Liberation Army (RPF/PLA) was arrested from Huikap Makha Leikai in Imphal East. The cadre, identified as Heikrujam Lanjenba Meitei alias Ningthouba (19) of Andro Kharam Changathel Leikai, was found in possession of a mobile phone suspected to contain operational details. Earlier, on August 6, security forces nabbed another active militant, linked to the Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group), from Moidangpok Maning Leikai in Imphal West. The accused, Heigrujam Daya Meitei alias Prem alias Luchingba (32) of Khongjom Sapam Mamang Leikai in Thoubal district, was allegedly involved in extorting funds from civilians and intimidating victims to settle cases related to crimes against women. A mobile handset with a SIM card was recovered from him.
Police sources said the arrests were the result of sustained intelligence-gathering and coordination between district units, aimed at dismantling extortion networks that have long burdened local communities and disrupted economic activity.
