Security Forces Arrest Nine Militants in Major Anti-Extortion Operation Across Manipur
Summary
Between July 21 and 23, 2025, Manipur’s security forces executed a series of coordinated anti-extortion raids across the valley and border regions, culminating in the arrest of nine active militants linked to various insurgent outfits. These operations targeted cadres from groups such as the KCP (Taibanganba), KCP (MC), KCP (PWG), PREPAK Pro, PREPAK, PLA, RPF/PLA, and UKNA, dealing a significant blow to their extortion networks. Weapons, mobile phones, demand notes, and extorted cash were seized, signaling a strong push to restore peace and curb criminal financing in the state
In-Depth Analysis
Introduction: A Targeted Strike Against Extortion Rackets
Ever wondered how insurgent groups keep their operations running? Just like any shady business, they need funding—and in Manipur, extortion has long been the go-to revenue stream for militants. Between July 21 and 23, security forces launched a meticulously planned operation that feels like a high-stakes chess match, cornering nine militants across multiple districts to choke off that illicit cash flow. The Anatomy of the Operation
It wasn’t a single swoop but a series of precision raids:
- July 21: Boythong Khongsai (29, UKNA) was apprehended on the Sugnu-Chandel Road with a Royal Enfield motorcycle, SIM cards, and identity documents in tow.
- July 22: Deep in the jungles between Border Pillars 73(10) and 73(11) in Tengnoupal district, two senior cadres—57-year-old Thingnam Amujao Singh (PREPAK) and 33-year-old Kangjam Motea Meitei (PLA)—were nabbed, underscoring the reach of the security apparatus. The same day, Waribam Ajoy Singh (25, RPF/PLA) was arrested in Imphal West’s Langol area.
- July 23: The operation reached its climax with four separate arrests in Imphal West and Bishnupur—Konjengbam Kanta Meitei (23) and Sanatomba Aheibam (24) of KCP (Taibanganba), Hidangmayum Naocha Sharma (35, KCP MC), and Sanabam Ibungo Meitei (27, KCP PWG)—and the detention of 18-year-old Sorokhaibam Olen Meitei (PREPAK Pro). Cash, mobile phones, and seven demand notes were recovered, revealing the systematic nature of the rackets.
Profiles of the Apprehended Cadres
- Konjengbam Kanta Meitei & Sanatomba Aheibam: KCP (Taibanganba) operatives allegedly extorting educational institutes and government departments. Over ₹30,000 seized from their combined holdings
- Hidangmayum Naocha Sharma: A seasoned KCP MC cadre known for targeting shops and commercial ventures in Bishnupur.
- Sanabam Ibungo Meitei: Specialized in taxing oil pumps; the seven recovered demand notes hint at an organized network.
- Sorokhaibam Olen Meitei: At just 18, he reflects the troubling trend of youth recruitment into PREPAK Pro’s extortion cells.
- Thingnam Amujao Singh & Kangjam Motea Meitei: Senior figures in PREPAK and PLA respectively, whose jungle hideouts were busted, striking at the leadership core.
- Waribam Ajoy Singh & Boythong Khongsai: RPF/PLA and UKNA cadres whose captures demonstrate the operation’s geographic and organizational breadth
FAQs
- What prompted the anti-extortion operation in Manipur?
Rising reports of systematic extortion targeting schools, businesses, and government departments spurred security forces into action, leading to coordinated raids from July 21–23, 2025 - Which militant groups were involved in these extortion activities?
Arrested cadres hailed from KCP (Taibanganba), KCP (MC), KCP (PWG), PREPAK Pro, PREPAK, PLA, RPF/PLA, and UKNA factions - What items were recovered during the raids?
Security forces seized extortion money (over ₹30,000 in one case), mobile phones, SIM cards, demand notes, weapons caches, motorcycles, and identity documents - How does extortion fund insurgent activities in Manipur?
Extortion functions like a parallel taxation system—militants coerce payments from religious institutions, educational bodies, and businesses to bankroll arms purchases, logistics, and recruitment - What measures can citizens take to report extortion attempts?
They can utilize police helplines, reach out to local administration offices, and cooperate with community policing initiatives designed to protect informants and witnesses.
