In a significant breakthrough against militant-related activities, Manipur Police on Wednesday arrested an active member of the proscribed outfit Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) from Kakching district.
The arrested cadre has been identified as Thongam Dilip Meitei, a resident of Napat Mayai Leikai in Bishnupur district. He was apprehended during an operation conducted in the Tangjeng Khunou area under Sugnu Police Station jurisdiction, officials confirmed.
Targeting Schools and Local Businesses
Preliminary investigations revealed that Meitei was actively involved in extorting money from schools and brickfield owners across Kakching and Thoubal districts. Such acts, police said, not only financially drained institutions but also created an atmosphere of fear among local communities already struggling with economic challenges.
Authorities believe the extortion network was designed to funnel money into KYKL’s militant activities. The arrest marks another effort by law enforcement to dismantle these underground financial structures.
Items Seized
At the time of his arrest, police recovered two mobile phones from his possession, which are now being examined for evidence of financial transactions and communication with other cadres. Officials expect digital forensics to provide crucial leads into the wider KYKL network operating in the valley districts.
| Item Seized | Details |
|---|---|
| Mobile Phones | 02 (under forensic examination) |
Security Agencies on Alert
Manipur has seen a series of crackdowns on militant groups this year as part of intensified counter-insurgency operations. Police and paramilitary forces continue to focus on extortion activities that threaten public safety and local businesses.
A senior officer noted:
“Extortion from schools and brick kilns not only endangers livelihoods but undermines the sense of security in our society. The arrest of Thongam Dilip Meitei is a step towards restoring peace and stability.”
Broader Context
The KYKL, formed in 1994, has been banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for its involvement in armed insurgency, extortion, and disruptive activities in Manipur. Security experts say that while the group’s operational strength has declined over the years, pockets of cadres remain active in extortion and recruitment drives.
This latest arrest adds momentum to the ongoing security push, sending a strong message that extortion targeting vulnerable sectors—like education and small-scale industries—will not be tolerated.