Three Militants Arrested in Imphal West Over Extortion and Cadre Recruitment
MANIPUR: Security forces have arrested three militants linked to proscribed outfits in Imphal West district for their alleged involvement in extortion and cadre recruitment, police said on Wednesday, October 7. Two of those arrested are members of the People’s Liberation Army, while the third is linked to PREPAK.
The arrests took place during separate operations in the district. The action comes as security forces continue operations against insurgent groups and alleged extortion networks across the state.
Three Militants Arrested In Separate Operations
The two PLA members were identified as Maibam Arun, 50, and Wahengbam Bimol, 26. Police said they were arrested on Tuesday, October 6.
A third suspect, identified as Laishram Bishal Singh, 29, was arrested on Monday, October 5. He was identified by officials as a PREPAK member and was apprehended during a search operation in the Mayang Imphal Thana area.
According to The Hindu, police said the three were allegedly involved in activities connected with extortion and recruitment for proscribed organisations.
PLA Cadre Recruitment Allegation Under Investigation
The arrests have brought renewed attention to alleged recruitment activities by insurgent groups in Manipur. Police have been carrying out search and security operations aimed at identifying members and supporters of proscribed organisations.
The PLA Cadre Recruitment allegation in the latest case relates specifically to the activities attributed to the arrested suspects. Authorities have not publicly established through a court finding that the accused committed the alleged offences.
The term Manipur Militants Arrested describes the police action and should not be interpreted as a final determination of guilt. The suspects remain accused unless and until the allegations are established through the legal process.
Extortion Allegations Remain A Key Focus
Extortion has remained a recurring security concern in Manipur, with authorities conducting operations against individuals suspected of making illegal monetary demands or supporting insurgent organisations.
In this case, police have linked the three arrests to alleged extortion activities as well as cadre recruitment. Further details about the specific extortion demands, targeted individuals or amounts involved were not immediately disclosed.
The latest Manipur Militants Arrested operation therefore adds to ongoing security efforts in Imphal West, particularly in areas where authorities are investigating suspected activities connected to proscribed outfits.
Security Operations Continue In Manipur
Security agencies have continued intelligence-based searches and arrests against suspected insurgent cadres across Manipur. The latest arrests show that operations are focusing on both alleged extortion networks and recruitment activity.
For the moment, the PLA Cadre Recruitment allegation remains part of the investigation, while the arrested individuals will face the legal process over the allegations made against them.
The three arrests also underline the continued security pressure on proscribed organisations operating in and around Imphal West. Further details are expected as investigators proceed with the case.
