In response to the growing extortion activities in the strife-torn state, the Manipur Police have established an ‘Anti-Extortion Cell’ headed by the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order). All zonal Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs) are members of this cell, tasked with monitoring and supervising the anti-extortion drive.
The IG of Intelligence, K Kabib, addressed the media on Saturday at the conference hall of the SP in Imphal West, explained that the anti-extortion cell was formed following numerous complaints from the general public, educational institutions, and government employees about the rise in extortion since the May 3 incident last year.
“As part of the anti-extortion drive, the Manipur Police, divided into 15 teams, have arrested a total of 121 extortionists, including members of underground groups and gangs. In addition, over 250 individuals indirectly involved in extortion have also been arrested,” the IGP stated.
He added, “All the extortionists were apprehended following complaints made by the public.”
Recently, employees of the Youth Affairs and Sports department in Manipur had also protested against the unbearable extortion in the guise of donations by certain groups, linked to the ongoing crisis. Similarly, students had held protests against extortion targeting educational institutions.
IGP said that to ensure the safety of commuters and transporters along national highways, particularly those transporting essential goods, 16 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been deployed at strategic locations along Manipur’s highways.
Additionally, two CRPF companies have been assigned to escort transporters, he added.
“Several locations in Imphal have been identified as extortion hotspots. In response, the Manipur Police have ramped up their efforts, increasing frisking and checking operations in these areas to catch the perpetrators,” the IGP said.
The Manipur Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are making concerted efforts to curb extortion activities. The IGP urged the public to cooperate by reporting any extortion threats to the police, assuring that investigations would be conducted without revealing the identity of the complainant.
He also mentioned that people can report such threats to either known police officers or the police control room.
Furthermore, the IGP appealed to the public not to encourage ‘moral policing,’ as many such cases have been found to involve extortion. “Do not allow individuals or groups to engage in moral policing. Instead, contact the police for any incidents, and appropriate legal action will be taken,” he emphasized.
IGP (Administration) K. Jayenta, who was also present at the conference, remarked that in recent months, some unknown miscreants have been involved in organized extortion activities. These activities have led to an increase in bomb threats, gunfire in residential areas, kidnappings, and other crimes, all reportedly escalating in a well-coordinated manner.
“There is suspicion that arms and ammunition looted during the early months of the Manipur crisis may be used by certain groups for their vested interests,” Jayenta added.
He concluded by stating that such activities could be easily prevented with public support.
SP, Imphal West, Ksh Shivakanta and DIG, Range-I, N Herojit also attended the press conference.
