3 militants arrested for extortion in Manipur

Security forces arrested three alleged militants belonging to Kangleipak Communist Party (Apunba) and United National Liberation Front (Pambei) in Manipur's Bishnupur and Imphal East districts for suspected extortion activities targeting individuals, government offices and private firms

Imphal: Security forces arrested three militants from different outfits from Manipur’s Bishnupur and Imphal East districts for their alleged involvement in extortion, police said on Sunday.

Ngangom Ibomcha Singh (28), an active member of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (Apunba), was apprehended on Thursday for his alleged involvement in extortion from Irengbam Mamang Makha Leikai in Bishnupur district, an official said.

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Further investigation led to the arrest of Konjengbam Kumarjit Singh (41), another active cadre of the outfit, from his residence in Nambol in the district the same day, he said.

On Friday, Thingbaijam Naobi Singh (47), a cadre of the United National Liberation Front (Pambei), was arrested from Wangkhei Ayangpalli road in Imphal East district based on intelligence input. According to police, he was allegedly involved in extorting money from government offices and private firms.

UNLF (Pambei) signed a peace pact with the Centre and state government in 2023. However, its members allegedly continue with illegal activities, including extortion and arms possession, leading to their arrests.