Five Militants Arrested in Manipur Over Extortion Charges

Quick Summary

• Arrests Made: Security forces arrested five militants from various banned organizations in Manipur for alleged involvement in extortion activities across three districts.

– Two active women cadres of Prepak were apprehended at Ngariyan naka checkpoint, Imphal East, with fifteen demand letters seized from them (September 4, 2025).
– Two more members of the banned Prepak (Pro) were arrested at Pangaltabiin (Kakching district) and Chairel Mangjing (Bishnupur district), also linked to extortion activities.
– A self-styled lance corporal of UPPK was detained at Laipham Khunou,imphal East,on September 5,2025.

• Background Context:

– Since May 2023, Manipur has been experiencing ethnic violence between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo communities. Over two years, ther have been more than 260 casualties and extensive displacement.
– President’s rule is currently in place after former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned. The State Assembly remains under suspended animation.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The recent arrests by security forces underscore ongoing efforts to address insurgency-related crimes such as extortion amidst an already fragile social and political environment in Manipur. While these operations may provide some sense of accountability against proscribed groups like Prepak and UPPK, they highlight persistent instability within the region overlaid by ethnic tensions between the meitei and Kuki-Zo populations.

given that ethnic violence has considerably destabilized livelihoods over two years-leading to mass displacement-it remains crucial for authorities to address socio-political fractures alongside militant threats comprehensively. Additionally, continued imposition of President’s rule reflects limitations experienced by state institutions during this volatile period while prioritizing nationwide governance oversight over localized turmoil.

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