3 militants arrested in Manipur's Imphal; firearm, cash recovered

Security forces arrested three militants belonging to various proscribed outfits from Manipur's Imphal East district, police said on Saturday.

A 22-year-old cadre of the banned Prepak was apprehended on Friday from her residence at Andro, a senior officer said.

Two active members of the banned People's Liberation Army were arrested from Khurai Lamlong and Porompat areas on Thursday, he said.

A firearm, ammunition and unaccounted cash of Rs 60,300 were recovered from their possession.

They were accused of being involved in extortion from schools, brick-making units, hospitals and pharmacies in Imphal East, police said.

Security forces have been conducting search operations in Manipur since ethnic violence broke out two years ago.

More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023.

The Centre had imposed the President's rule in Manipur after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned.

The state Assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation.