Manipur: Five Suspected Militants Arrested, Major Weapons Cache Recovered In Anti-Extortion Crackdown

Security forces in Manipur have arrested five suspected militants and recovered a large cache of weapons and explosives during coordinated anti-extortion operations across multiple districts over the past three days.

The biggest seizure occurred during search operations along Keipha Road and Thamnapokpi under Moirang Police Station in Bishnupur district. The recovered arsenal included an SLR rifle, a Sten machine gun, two 12-bore pistols, four grenades (including Chinese-made variants), and an improvised explosive device (IED) weighing over two kilograms.Among those arrested is Loitongbam Jugin Singh (57), an alleged cadre of PREPAK (Pro), apprehended on June 5 from Wangoo Ahallup Mayai Leikai in Bishnupur district. Police sources said he was involved in extorting money from educational institutions and civilians in valley areas.

On the same day, three suspected RPF/PLA militants — Salam Amarjit Singh (37), Hijam Anand Singh (27), and Sharubam Sarat Singh (28) — were arrested from Taothong Khunou near Khudeiban Lampak in Imphal West district. All three hail from Andro Khunou Torongthel in Imphal East.

Another accused, Moirangthem Babu Singh alias Chingshang (34), a suspected RPF/PLA member, was arrested on June 4 along National Highway-02 between Ngangkhalawai and Thamnapokpi. He is accused of extorting money from government offices, businesses, and local shops in Bishnupur district.

Security forces also recovered 10 PEK detonators, seven PEK explosive packages, body armor, communication devices, and various rounds of ammunition. The weapons and explosives were found concealed inside plastic sacks.