Security Forces Arrest Three for Extortion in Manipur Operations

Imphal: Security forces arrested three men across Manipur on September 25 and 26 for their ties to militant extortion rackets. Officers targeted members of the banned National Revolutionary Front of Manipur (NRFM) in Imphal East and an alleged operative of the Kangleipak Communist Party in Thoubal. The crackdown comes as state forces maintain high alert following ethnic violence that began in May 2023.

Police nabbed 27-year-old Laishram Suresh, also known as L. Tomba Singh, at his home in Koirengei Mamang Leikai. A search turned up 30,500 rupees in cash, an iPhone, five NRFM demand letters, and a black Royal Enfield motorcycle. Officials claim the bike was bought with stolen money. Suresh implicated his associate, 21-year-old Nongdrenkhomba Loitongbam of Keikol Mayai Leikai. Police arrested him shortly after.

A third man, linked to the Kangleipak Communist Party (Nongdrenkhomba), was captured in the Thoubal district. Authorities stated, "Security forces have been conducting search operations and area domination exercises in fringe and vulnerable areas across Manipur since ethnic violence broke out in the state in May 2023."

The conflict between Meitei and Kuki communities has reached a grim milestone. Official records show 306 people dead and 49 missing. Thousands remain displaced. Police confirmed investigations into the extortion rings are ongoing.