Imphal West Superintendent of Police Ksh Shivakanta on Monday issued a stern warning to individuals involved in extortion activities, stating that they could face charges under the National Security Act (NSA) or have their cases recommended to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Addressing a press conference, the SP emphasised that extortion has become a business-like venture, with newly recruited militants often joining groups with a mindset of wielding unaccountable power.
He urged those involved to cease their activities before it negatively impacts their future careers.
Appealing to the parents to closely monitor their children’s activities, while assuring the public that any complaints shared with the police will be kept confidential, the SP encouraged early reporting to ensure timely action against those indulging in extortion.
To curb these activities, an anti-extortion cell has been recently formed, leading to the arrest of 11 individuals in Imphal West over the past few days.
In a related development, on Monday a combined team of security forces conducted a search operation in Langol Game Village Zone III, based on reliable information about the presence of active cadres of the KCP (Nongdrenkhomba) group. During the operation, seven cadres were arrested.
The arrested individuals have been identified Loushambam Alin Singh, 26, from Singjamei Oinam Thingel; Konsam Rohit Singh, 23, from Patsoi Part I; Sanju Wahengbam, 20, from Palace Compound Mahabali Mamang; Phanjoubam Thoiba Mangang, 26, from Thongju Part II, currently residing in Wangkhei Tokpam Leikai; Waikhom Hero Meetei, 21, from Takhel Mamang Leikai; Yanglem Bikash Meitei, 23, from Singjamei Yangiem Leikai; and Henthoibi Moirangthem, 41, from Uripok Gopalaj Leirak.
Additionally, several items were recovered, including a white Toyota Fortuner with registration number MN06LA 7346, five vehicle number plates (two with AS01DE 9075, two with WB 96J 3237, and one with MN04G 2800), a white Hyundai Grand i-10 with registration number MN01AG 8516, and a brown Royal Enfield Classic 350.
The security forces also seized two pistols, one with body number “28531” along with two rounds of 7.65 mm ammunition, and another marked “FORGAS TAURUS S.A. MADE IN BRAZIL PT 58 HC 380 ACP” with an empty magazine. Other recovered items included mobile phones, camouflage uniforms, and incriminating materials.
A case has been registered at Lamphel Police Station for further investigation.
