A total of 16 members of several banned organizations have been arrested in Manipur in the last 48 hours, Manipur Police informed on Sunday, adding that two activists of the banned United National Liberation Front (Pambai) were arrested on Saturday from Nepetpalli Andro Road near Nongdam village in Imphal East district. A senior police officer in the case said that both the arrested accused were allegedly involved in extortion.

One each arrested from Bishnupur and Imphal West

He said that the security forces on Friday arrested a member of the banned Kangleipak ​​Communist Party (Taibanganba) from Ningthoukhong Ward No. 13 in Bishnupur district. The official said that on the same day, two activists of the banned KCP (MFL) were arrested from Salam Mamang Leikai Ketuki Lampak in Imphal West district, adding that they were also allegedly involved in extortion.

Actions were also taken in Imphal East district

He said that the state police arrested a cadre of the banned Prepak (PRO) from Kyamgei Heibong Makhong area in Imphal East district on Friday. A cadre of the banned Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) was detained from Imphal East district. A member of the United People's Party of Kangleipak ​​(UPPK) was also arrested from Imphal East district on Friday. On the same day, another active cadre of the banned Prepak was arrested from Sanjenbam Shangshabi village in Imphal East district.

Seven members of the People's War Group were also arrested

Manipur Police on Sunday afternoon said that seven militants of the banned Kangleipak ​​Communist Party (People's War Group) were arrested during a midnight operation by commando teams and CRPF units in Heirok Part-3 of Thoubal district. The operation lasted from around 1 am to 3 am. Police said that weapons and ammunition have been recovered from them.

Locals pelted stones at police

Some locals tried to stop the personnel by throwing stones, following which 'non-lethal means were used' to disperse them, a police officer said. Some vehicles of the security forces were damaged, he said, adding that the situation is now under control.

Manipur burning in the fire of violence since May 2023

Police and security forces have been conducting search operations across Manipur since ethnic violence broke out in May 2023. More than 250 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Jho groups. The Centre imposed President's rule in the state on February 13 following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The state assembly, whose term is till 2027, has been suspended.