Security forces in Manipur have arrested three militants belonging to different banned underground organisations from separate districts of the state for their alleged involvement in extortion activities. The arrests were made over the past two days as part of intensified counter-insurgency operations, police officials confirmed on Wednesday.
According to police, the first arrest was made on Monday evening when an active member of the United National Liberation Front (UNLF-Koireng), identified as Bicky Sagolsem, was apprehended from Muslim Basti in Tengnoupal district. Security personnel had received specific information about his movements in the area and swiftly launched an operation that led to his capture. He was later handed over to Tengnoupal police for further questioning.
In another operation, a member of the Kangleipak Communist Party (Apunba) was picked up from Lamphel in Imphal West district. Police sources said the militant had been collecting “taxes” and threatening local business owners and shopkeepers in the area. The arrest followed a series of complaints from residents who had been facing extortion demands over the past few weeks. Authorities are now verifying whether he was acting under direct orders from the outfit’s senior leadership or operating independently. 
The third arrest was made from Top Makha in Imphal East district, where a cadre of the Kangleipak Communist Party (PWG), identified as Wangkheirakpam Romeo Meitei, aged 45, was taken into custody from his residence. According to police, Meitei was actively involved in collecting money from brick kiln owners and local residents in the valley area. Investigators believe the extorted funds were being used to support the group’s organisational activities.
