IMPHAL, May 15: In a significant development amid ongoing counter-insurgency operations, Manipur Police on Thursday announced the arrest of seven militants belonging to various banned outfits across Thoubal, Kakching, Bishnupur, Imphal East, and Churachandpur districts.

Two active cadres of the outlawed People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were apprehended from Leirongthel Prita in Thoubal district on Wednesday. Identified as RK Mubisana Meitei (47) and Moirangthem Naresh Singh (28), both were reportedly involved in extortion activities in the district. The security forces seized one 9 mm pistol with a magazine, one .32 pistol with a magazine, and seven rounds of ammunition during the operation.

In Bishnupur district, police arrested Moirangthem Chinglen Singh (44), an active member of the proscribed United National Liberation Front (UNLF-Koireng), from his residence at Kangmong Meisnam Maning Leikai on the same day.

On Tuesday, another operative of the UNLF (Koireng), Asem Nanao Singh (31), was arrested from the Lamdong area in Kakching district. He was also reportedly engaged in extortion-related activities.

In a separate operation, authorities apprehended Waikhom Rajesh Singh (32), an active member of the UNLF (Pambei), from Minuthong in Imphal East district. Singh was allegedly involved in extorting and threatening cargo agencies operating across the valley region.

Meanwhile, David Ngamjang (25), a self-styled Sergeant Major of the banned CKLA/UPLF (Non-SoO group), was captured from Saikot village in Churachandpur district. Police recovered one 9 mm pistol and three live rounds from his possession.

Additionally, another militant associated with the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP-Taibanganba), accused of extortion, was arrested from Waikhong in Kakching district on Tuesday.

Security forces have ramped up their counter-insurgency efforts in the conflict-hit state as part of broader initiatives to restore peace and order.