Two militants arrested in Manipur for extortion from schools, supplying arms

Imphal, July 18: Two militants belonging to proscribed outfits in Manipur were arrested by security forces for being allegedly involved in extortion activities.

According to senior police officials, one cadre of the banned outfit PREPAK was apprehended from Thinungei Mamang Paton area in Bishnupur district on Wednesday.

"He had undergone a 30-day basic military training at Kakching Khunou and was also involved in extortion from schools, pharmacies, government offices, doctors and engineers in Bishnupur district and Imphal areas," the police said.

One member of the outlawed National Revolutionary Front of Manipur was arrested from Koirengei Awang Potshangbam Road in Imphal East district on Wednesday, the officer said.

He was accused of being involved in abduction, demanding ransom to raise funds for his outfit and also supplying arms and ammunition, the police said.

He also "played an instrumental role in the movement of militants" in the valley, the officer added.

Notably, security forces have been conducting search operations across the state since ethnic violence erupted two years ago.

More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.

The Centre had on February 13 imposed the President's rule in Manipur after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned in the wake of the ethnic violence.

The state assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.

- PTI