Security forces in Manipur have arrested three militants, including a woman, for their alleged involvement in extortion activities across different districts of the state, police said on Tuesday. The arrests come amid intensified operations by security agencies to curb militant activities and protect civilians from illegal monetary demands by banned outfits.
According to police, one of the arrested individuals has been identified as Ningthoujam Inaocha, aged 40, an active member of the United National Liberation Front (K) faction. He was apprehended from Lamjao Makha Leikai area in Kakching district on Sunday. During the operation, the security team recovered a .32 pistol, a magazine, three live cartridges, and Rs 41,200 in cash suspected to be extorted money.
Officials said the operation was based on specific intelligence inputs regarding the movement of the suspect. Inaocha was later handed over to the concerned police station for further investigation. The police are verifying the sources of the seized cash and his possible involvement in other extortion-related cases in the district. 
Meanwhile, two other arrests were made from separate locations in the valley districts. Among them was a woman militant, also accused of demanding money from local traders and transport operators on behalf of her group. Authorities have not yet disclosed her identity, citing ongoing investigation and security reasons.
Police sources said that militants from banned organizations have been trying to revive extortion networks by targeting business owners and government employees. These activities often cause fear among the local population and disrupt normal life, especially in markets and transport routes across Imphal and adjoining districts.
