IMPHAL: Five cadres, belonging to various proscribed outfits, were arrested from Manipur's Imphal West district for allegedly being involved in extortion activities, police said on Tuesday. All the arrests were made on Monday, a senior officer said.
The police apprehended an active cadre of the banned People's Liberation Army from Meitei Lamkhai Chajing area in the district.
The arrested militant hails from Jiribam district, the officer said.
A woman member of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (PWG) was arrested from Wahengkhuman Maning Leikai area for her alleged involvement in extortion, police said.
Three cadres of the outlawed KCP (PWG) were also apprehended from a rented house in Sagolband Thingom Leikai area, the officer said, adding that they were also "involved in extortion" in the Imphal Valley.
Besides, four people were arrested in Imphal West district in connection with a case of kidnapping and extortion.
"Two individuals from Delhi and Jaipur were lured to Manipur under the pretext of providing training for a networking business. They were kidnapped and threatened upon arrival in Imphal by perpetrators, who demanded ransom," the officer said.
One firearm, along with ammunition, was recovered from the arrested persons, he added.
Security forces have been conducting search operations in Manipur since ethnic violence broke out two years ago.
More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.
The Centre had on February 13 imposed the President's rule in Manipur after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned.
The state assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.