Representational file photo (PTI)
NEW DELHI: Security forces in Manipur, on Saturday, arrested four militants linked to banned groups for allegedly carrying out extortion. In Thoubal district, officers picked up a man from his home in Itham Awang on Friday after weapons were found in his possession. Police said they recovered an SLR rifle with 12 rounds and two wireless sets. A day earlier, three active cadres of the banned People’s Liberation Army were arrested from Keishampat Thouda Bhabok Leikai in Imphal West. The trio was involved in extortion. A pistol, ammunition and documents linked to the outfit were seized from them. Security forces also arrested a member of the proscribed Prepak group from Luwangsangbam in Imphal East on Thursday. He was accused of demanding money from residents in the valley areas. Search operations have been ongoing across the state as Manipur continues to grapple with the ethnic violence that began two years ago. More than 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced since clashes between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups broke out in May 2023. The Centre imposed president’s rule in Manipur on 13 February. The state assembly, whose term runs till 2027, is currently under suspended animation.