UPPK cadres were arrested in Manipur after security forces launched operations against alleged extortion, intimidation and kidnapping activities in the Imphal Valley, police said on Wednesday. Six suspected members of the banned United People’s Party of Kangleipak (UPPK), including a juvenile, were apprehended from different locations in Bishnupur, Imphal East and Imphal West districts on August 25.
The arrests come amid continued security operations against underground groups accused of extortion and other unlawful activities across the state. Police said the suspects were allegedly involved in activities linked to the UPPK and that further investigation is underway.
Six UPPK cadres held in Imphal Valley
According to officials, the arrests were made from several locations during operations by security personnel. The suspects were identified as Elangbam Rabikumar Singh, 24; Waikhom Arun Singh, 20; Ahongshangbam Avinash Singh alias Andy, 26; Elangbam Alexander Singh, 21; Phuritshabam Koireng Singh, 51; and a juvenile.
Rabikumar Singh, a resident of Kakching district who was staying in a rented house at Mantripukhri, was arrested from the area. Arun Singh, Avinash Singh and the juvenile were apprehended near Ibudhou Marjing Gate at Khabam Leikai.
Alexander Singh was arrested from Pangei Bazar, while Koireng Singh was apprehended at Koirengei Forest Gate in Imphal West. Police said Koireng Singh works as a gardener, or ‘mali’, in the state Forest Department.
The arrests were part of coordinated security action across the Imphal Valley, where authorities have been stepping up efforts to identify and disrupt alleged extortion networks.
UPPK cadres allegedly involved in intimidation
Police said the arrested suspects disclosed their alleged involvement in kidnapping, extortion and intimidation. The allegations are now subject to investigation and legal proceedings.
A total of 23 UPPK letterheads were recovered during the operation, officials said. Such material is being examined as part of the investigation into the alleged activities of the suspects and their links with the banned organisation.
Security teams also seized a Baofeng handheld wireless communication set, which could provide investigators with information about communication among the alleged members. An Astar car bearing registration number MN01 CS-2622 and a Pleasure two-wheeler bearing registration number MN06 SE-7395 were also recovered, according to officials.
The recovery of communication equipment and vehicles is expected to form part of the investigation as authorities examine whether the accused used them in carrying out alleged criminal activities.
Security operations intensify across Manipur
The latest arrests are part of a wider pattern of security operations against insurgent groups in Manipur. In recent weeks, police, commandos and other security forces have arrested cadres of several banned organisations in different districts.
On August 17, security forces reported the arrest of nine active cadres of banned outfits during intelligence-based operations in Thoubal, Kakching and Churachandpur districts. The operation involved the Assam Rifles, Manipur Police and state commandos, with weapons, ammunition and explosives also recovered.
The UPPK has also faced action earlier this month. Security forces arrested a juvenile described as an active UPPK extortionist cadre in the Khongjom area of Thoubal district on August 11, according to police records cited by the South Asia Terrorism Portal.
Manipur Police had also reported the arrest of an active UPPK cadre in Imphal East in July. The continuing arrests indicate that authorities are maintaining pressure on underground groups accused of extortion and other activities.
Investigation to establish wider links
Investigators are now expected to examine the alleged role of the arrested UPPK cadres, their communication networks and possible links with other members of the organisation. The seized letterheads, wireless set and vehicles could help authorities establish how the alleged operations were conducted.
Extortion has remained a persistent security concern in Manipur, with police and security agencies conducting repeated operations against suspected members of underground organisations. The arrests also highlight the continued focus on preventing armed groups from using intimidation and illegal financial demands to operate in civilian areas.
The latest action in Bishnupur and the Imphal Valley is therefore significant as authorities seek to disrupt alleged kidnapping and extortion networks. Further details are likely to emerge as investigators question the suspects and examine the materials seized during the operation.
Authorities have not indicated the extent of the alleged extortion or kidnapping activities linked to the six suspects. The investigation will determine the specific offences and the roles allegedly played by each accused.
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