Manipur: Four Militants Held in Bishnupur on Charges of Extortion, Recruitment

Security forces in Manipur have arrested four individuals with alleged links to banned militant outfits from Bishnupur district, police said on Sunday (August 9, 2026). The arrests were made during separate operations on Saturday (August 8, 2026), according to an official statement.

Among those apprehended is Khwairakpam Rojit Singh, a 21-year-old member of the proscribed Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) outfit. He was taken into custody from Thamnapokpi Makha area in Bishnupur district. Police said he was involved in recruitment of new cadres for the organisation.

In a separate operation, Naorem Priyokumar Singh (37) was arrested from Naorem Mayai Leikai area of the same district. He faces allegations of engaging in extortion activities, an official said.

Additionally, two cadres of the Kangleipak Communist Party (Nongdrenkhomba) — identified as Akhom Premkumar Singh (55) and Ningthoujam Jiten Singh (46) — were apprehended from Ngangkhalawai area in Bishnupur district, police added.

The arrests come amid continued security operations in Manipur, where multiple insurgent and militant groups operate, often demanding illegal taxes from locals and businesses. The KYKL and the Kangleipak Communist Party (Nongdrenkhomba) are among the groups banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for their alleged involvement in violence, extortion, and other unlawful activities.

Police have registered cases against the four individuals under relevant sections of the law and are conducting further investigations to ascertain their roles in organised crime and possible links to larger networks. Officials have not ruled out more arrests in connection with these cases.

Residents of Bishnupur district have expressed relief over the arrests, as extortion and forced recruitment have long been sources of fear in the region. However, security analysts caution that such operations need to be sustained to effectively curb the influence of militant groups.

The state government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order in Manipur and has urged citizens to report any suspicious activities to authorities. The latest arrests are seen as part of a broader effort to dismantle the support structures of proscribed organisations in the state.