Manipur: KCP (Taibanganba) Cadre Arrested in Imphal
Security forces conducted two separate operations in Imphal on 23 August 2025 and arrested two persons allegedly linked to the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP — Taibanganba). In the first operation, Kshetrimayum Bhogendro Singh (also known as Yaiphaba/Prem, 44) was arrested from Khongman Zone-III, Irilbung PS area, for alleged extortion activities; officials recovered his mobile phone and an Aadhaar card. In a second, separate operation, Pukhrambam Mani Singh (25) was arrested from New Keithelmanbi Bazar and found in possession of a country-made pistol, a magazine, and a 9mm live round. Both are under active interrogation and investigations are ongoing.
FAQs
Q1: Who were the two people arrested and what were they accused of?
A1: Officials named Kshetrimayum Bhogendro Singh (Yaiphaba / Prem), 44, arrested from Khongman Zone-III (Irilbung PS), accused of extorting shopkeepers and residents; and Pukhrambam Mani Singh, 25, arrested from New Keithelmanbi Bazar, from whom a country-made pistol, a magazine, and a 9mm live round were recovered. Both are under interrogation.
Q2: Why is extortion such a common tactic among local insurgent groups?
A2: Extortion provides a predictable revenue stream for operational costs, recruitment, and procurement of arms. It imposes low immediate cost on the group while creating fear and control over local economies. Disrupting extortion disrupts the group’s finances and local influence.
Q3: Does the seizure of a single pistol significantly impact group capability?
A3: While a single pistol alone is not decisive, removing weapons from circulation reduces immediate threats and can provide forensic leads. Repeated seizures add up, making it harder for groups to enforce extortion or escalate violence.
Q4: What should shopkeepers do if they face extortion demands?
A4: Report threats to local police; preserve any evidence (recorded threats, messages); use anonymous tip lines if available; and seek community or market association support. Authorities should provide witness protection where necessary.
Q5: Will these arrests lead to the arrest of higher-up leaders in KCP?
A5: That depends on the evidence gathered: phone records, financial trails, and interrogations can reveal links to higher-ranked operatives. These tactical arrests can lead to strategic breakthroughs if investigators pursue the leads rigorously.
