In a major step to curb insurgency and urban extortion activities, Manipur Police and security forces intensified their crackdown on militant networks across the state, resulting in the arrest of three individuals linked to proscribed underground outfits. The arrests were made on July 7 during coordinated operations in Imphal and Thoubal districts, as part of a broader campaign to restore law and order amid growing concerns over extortion and cross-border militancy. The arrested individuals have been identified as active members or associates of outlawed organizations, including the Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group), the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), and its progressive faction PREPAK (PRO). All three have allegedly been involved in activities ranging from collecting extortion money to supplying communication tools used by insurgents. In the first operation, a team from Imphal West Police apprehended 18-year-old Huiningsungbam George Bush Meitei, also known by the alias Lalloiba, from Lamphel Grace Colony. According to police reports, Meitei is an active cadre of the Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group). He was allegedly involved in extortion activities targeting local residents and businesses. During the arrest, officials recovered a mobile handset, an iPad Air, and an Aadhaar card from his possession. Authorities believe he played a role in facilitating communication between urban-based operatives and militant leaders.
In a separate but related action in Imphal East, police arrested 26-year-old Thokchom Wilson Singh, also known as BK, from Bamon Kampu Mayai Leikai. Singh is reportedly an active member of PREPAK, a banned insurgent outfit with a history of militant activities in Manipur. He was allegedly collecting extortion money from shops and businesses in the Canchipur, Mantripukhri, and Kakwa areas. A mobile phone used in the operations was recovered from him. Authorities are investigating whether he acted alone or was part of a larger extortion network operating in urban zones. The third arrest was made in Thoubal district, where police nabbed 43-year-old Khumanthem Bikramjit Singh. According to investigators, Singh was involved in supplying SIM cards to underground groups, specifically PREPAK (PRO). These SIM cards were reportedly used by insurgents based in Myanmar to coordinate extortion and recruitment operations targeting residents in Manipur. Police recovered a Realme smartphone, two active SIM cards, and more than 100 unused SIM cards of various telecom service providers from his possession. Authorities are examining whether these cards were procured using forged documents or fake identities, a method commonly used by insurgents to avoid detection. These operations come as part of the state government’s intensified efforts to root out insurgent influence and tackle the ongoing issue of extortion targeting local business owners, transport operators, and farmers. The presence of underground groups and their cross-border activities—particularly through porous borders with Myanmar—have posed serious challenges to security forces over the years.
In addition to counter-insurgency operations, Manipur Police also continued enforcement drives to improve public safety. On July 7, traffic police issued 15 challans totaling ₹26,500 for violations including overspeeding, riding without helmets, and improper documentation. On the previous day, a special drive was carried out to remove tinted films from 16 vehicles, part of a wider initiative to curb crime and ensure visibility inside vehicles amid rising criminal incidents. Search and area domination operations were also intensified across vulnerable and fringe areas, particularly those bordering hills and rural pockets. These efforts aim to detect hidden caches of arms, monitor suspicious movement, and reassure local communities of the state’s security presence. On the logistics front, the state ensured uninterrupted supply of essential items by facilitating movement of 217 vehicles carrying food, medicine, and fuel along National Highway-37 under armed security convoy protection. Ensuring the safe passage of goods and essential services has been a top priority for the administration given the recent disruptions caused by militant threats and blockades.
