Imphal, August 21: In a major crackdown on extortion networks, security forces in Manipur arrested eight active cadres belonging to banned outfits KYKL, KCP (MFL), RPF/PLA, and PREPAK during separate operations carried out on August 19 and 20 across the valley and Thoubal districts.

On August 19, two active members of the proscribed KYKL were apprehended. The arrested individuals were identified as Jiten Sana RK @ Nanao (41) of Pangei Lairam Mapal, Imphal East, picked up near Minuthong under Imphal Police Station, and Jimson Aheibam (30) of Awangkhunou Sabal Leikai, Imphal West, arrested from his residence under Patsoi Police Station. Both were allegedly involved in widespread extortion targeting spas, shops, and the general public in the valley.

On the same day, another insurgent, Khoinaijam Robertson Singh @ Khelemba (24) of Sawombung Thongkhong, Imphal East, an active cadre of KCP (MFL), was arrested from Taothong Khunou near Khudeiband Lampak under Lamsang Police Station. He was reportedly engaged in extortion, abduction for ransom, intimidation in land and family disputes, as well as cases linked to crimes against women and loan recoveries.

The following day, August 20, security forces launched an operation in Thoubal district, leading to the arrest of three cadres of RPF/PLA from Kshetri Leikai under Thoubal Police Station. They were identified as Angom Premjit Singh @ Manaothoi (33) of Phayeng Ching Khunou, Imphal West; Ningthoujam Urirei Devi (28) of Moreh Ward No. 7, presently residing in Langol Laimanai, Imphal West; and Lourembam Madona Devi @ Moli (26) of Uripok, Imphal West.

The trio was allegedly running an extortion racket targeting government schools, colleges, brick kilns, and stone crusher operators in Thoubal. Security personnel recovered a Maruti Suzuki Swift VXI car, three mobile phones, an Aadhaar card, a PAN card, an ATM card, a notebook listing targeted schools in Thoubal block, and ₹4,000 in cash during the operation.

In another operation under Lamlai Police Station on the same day, an active cadre of PREPAK, identified as Sarangthem Suresh Singh @ Chinglen @ Bungo (20) of Huikap Makha Leikai, Imphal East (presently residing at Nongpok Kakching Maning Leikai), was arrested from Sawombung. A mobile phone was seized from his possession.