Manipur Police Arrest 2 More For Extortion Activities In Imphal; Police Appeal Public Operation

Amid escalating extortion activities across Manipur, the Police arrested two more individuals yesterday for their involvement in such activities targeting various showrooms in Imphal.

The arrested have been identified as Irungbam Nganba Meitei (34 years old) and Haobijam Sanathoi Singh (18 years old), active members of the PREPAK organization, Manipur Police said.

The police also recovered two mobile handsets, one two-wheeler, and a driving license.

This has been possible following a massive crackdown by the Manipur police.

It needs to be mentioned that, state police have arrested 121 people directly involved in extortion cases and over 250 underground and gang members involved in such activities since last year, Manipur Police IGP (Intelligence) K Kabib said on Saturday.

IGP Kabib earlier appealed for public cooperation to help combat these illegal practices, which are causing widespread economic hardship and psychological distress to those who are being targeted.

During a press conference held at the Imphal West SP Conference Hall on October 12, IGP (Intelligence) K Kabib outlined various preventive measures being implemented by law enforcement. However, he admitted that organized extortion continues to flourish despite these efforts. He urged citizens to report any extortion attempts or illegal demands, assuring them that their identities would be kept confidential.

Kabib also warned against communities taking the law into their own hands, as intelligence suggests that some cases of “moral policing” are fronts for covert extortion. Instead, he encouraged residents to report any suspicious individuals to the authorities.

Since the crisis began in May last year, underground groups and criminal gangs have been demanding money under the pretense of donations. Extortion has spread to national highways, markets, schools, and other institutions, with illegal taxes being levied.

In response, Manipur Police have established an anti-extortion cell, led by the ADGP (Law and Order), with all Zonal IGPs as members. This cell oversees anti-extortion efforts across the state. Additionally, 15 specialized crack teams have been formed in different districts to target these criminal activities, IGP Kabib added.

To ensure the safe movement of essential goods along National Highway 2, 16 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) companies have been deployed for Road Opening Patrols, with two extra companies providing truck escorts.

Also read: Manipur Extortion Cases: 121 Arrested, IGP Kabib Says Moral Policing Used As Front for Extortion, Warns Public