Imphal: Security forces arrested three active cadres of the proscribed People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) during coordinated anti-extortion operations in Manipuron Monday night, police said on Tuesday.
Among those detained were a husband-wife duo, Konthoujam Chaoba Meitei, also known as Punshiba (46), of Sagolband Tera Khuraijam Leikai, and his wife Kongthoujam (Ongbi) Sharmila Leima, also called Nanao (43). Police seized a mobile phone from the husband during the arrest.
Based on their disclosures, forces also apprehended another PREPAK operative, Chandam Chandramani Singh, alias Ghambir or Tamyanganba (49), a resident of Lairenkabi Maning Leikai, Imphal West district, from Khangabok along NH-102 near the District Hospital gate in Thoubal district. A mobile phone was recovered from him as well.
The husband-wife duo was arrested under the jurisdiction of Lamphel Police Station in Imphal West district.
The Group of 5 (G-5), an alliance of proscribed outfits, includes the Kangleipak Communist Party, Kanglei Yawol Kanba Lup, People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) (Progressive), and the United National Liberation Front (Koireng group). PREPAK operates as a key component of the alliance, which has been involved in multiple extortion and intimidation activities in the state.
Police said the arrested individuals were also linked to issuing threats against participants of the Sumang Leela Associations and other performers at the recently concluded Manipur Sangai Festival 2025.
Officials confirmed that the arrests were part of ongoing operations to curb extortion, intimidation, and threats by underground groups in Imphal West and Thoubal districts.