Manipur Security Forces Seize IEDs, Arrest Militants in Ongoing Anti-Extortion Drive
News Summary
On June 3, 2025, Manipur’s security forces intensified their operations against insurgency and extortion activities. Between May 23 and June 2, they recovered three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and four crude grenades in Tengnoupal district. Additionally, three militants affiliated with banned outfits PREPAK (Pro) and KYKL were arrested in coordinated operations across Kakching and Thoubal districts. These actions are part of a broader strategy to curb insurgent activities and restore peace in the region.
Deep Dive: Manipur’s Crackdown on Insurgency and Extortion
1. The Persistent Challenge of Insurgency in Manipur
Manipur has long grappled with insurgent activities, with groups like PREPAK (Pro) and KYKL operating in the region. These organizations have been involved in various unlawful activities, including extortion, recruitment of new cadres, and the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to instill fear among the populace. The state’s strategic location, bordering Myanmar, further complicates the security landscape, providing insurgents with cross-border mobility and access to resources
2. Recent Operations and Seizures
In a concerted effort to dismantle insurgent networks, Manipur’s security forces launched a series of operations between May 23 and June 2, 2025. These operations led to the recovery of three IEDs and four crude grenades along the track from Yangoubung to Lalim Lok River in Tengnoupal district. The seizures underscore the ongoing threat posed by insurgent groups and the importance of proactive measures to neutralize potential attacks.
3. Arrests of Key Militant Figures
The crackdown also resulted in the arrest of three militants associated with banned outfits:
- Mayanglambam Lorens Singh (31): A PREPAK (Pro) cadre arrested in Kakching district. He was allegedly involved in collecting extortion money via digital platforms like GPay. A mobile handset was seized from him.
- Shagolshem Thoiba Singh (23): Apprehended in Thoubal district, he is believed to have issued monetary threats and extortion demands. Authorities recovered a mobile phone and a SIM card from him.
- Sapam Boboy Singh (36): Arrested under Khongjom police station, he was allegedly involved in both extortion and recruitment of new cadres for KYKL. Two mobile phones and a SIM card were seized during his arrest.
These arrests are significant strides in disrupting the operational capabilities of insurgent groups in the region.
4. Broader Security Measures
Beyond targeting insurgents, Manipur Police have implemented additional measures to enhance security and uphold law and order:
- Cordon-and-Search Operations: Statewide operations aimed at identifying and apprehending individuals involved in insurgent activities.
- Vehicle Enforcement Drives: On June 1, authorities conducted a special drive targeting vehicles with tinted glasses, removing them from six cars found in violation of road safety norms.
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to a multi-faceted approach in combating insurgency and ensuring public safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are PREPAK (Pro) and KYKL?
A1: PREPAK (Pro) and KYKL are banned insurgent groups operating in Manipur, involved in activities like extortion, recruitment, and the use of explosives to further their objectives.
Q2: How do insurgent groups fund their operations?
A2: Extortion is a primary funding source, with businesses, institutions, and individuals being coerced into paying illegal taxes.
Q3: What measures are being taken to combat insurgency in Manipur?
A3: Security forces are conducting coordinated operations, including cordon-and-search missions and vehicle enforcement drives, to apprehend militants and seize weapons.
Q4: How does insurgency affect the local population?
A4: Beyond physical threats, insurgency instills fear, disrupts daily life, hampers economic activities, and erodes trust in governance.
Q5: What is the significance of the recent arrests and seizures?
A5: The arrests of key militants and the recovery of explosives signify a proactive stance by security forces to dismantle insurgent networks and restore peace in the region.
