Eight KCP Militants Held in Manipur Arms, Extortion Crackdown

In a major push to dismantle insurgent infrastructure in conflict-hit Manipur , security forces have arrested eight militants belonging to two factions of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) for their alleged involvement in extortion activities, illegal arms trafficking, and the supply of explosive materials across the state's valley districts. The arrests come as authorities intensify efforts to curb militant financing and recover illegal weapons that continue to pose a challenge to peace and stability in the northeastern state.

According to police, four members of KCP (People's War Group) were apprehended from different locations in Imphal East district . Investigators allege that the group was involved in supplying hand grenades and other explosive items to various parts of the valley. All four accused are residents of Imphal East. In a separate operation, security personnel arrested four active cadres of KCP (MFL) from Kakching district for their alleged role in extortion and illegal arms supply networks.

The latest arrests highlight the growing focus of security agencies on dismantling the financial and logistical backbone of insurgent groups. Security experts say extortion has long been a key source of funding for militant outfits operating in Manipur. Businesses, contractors, transport operators, educational institutions and even government employees have often been targeted through illegal "tax" demands and coercive collection drives. The money generated through these activities is frequently used to procure weapons, recruit cadres and sustain underground operations.

The crackdown comes against the backdrop of the ethnic violence that erupted between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in May 2023 . The conflict has claimed the lives of more than 260 people , displaced thousands of residents and triggered one of the worst security crises in the state's recent history. A major concern for authorities has been the widespread circulation of illegal weapons after thousands of firearms and large quantities of ammunition were looted from police armouries and security installations during the unrest.

To address the challenge, security forces have launched extensive search-and-seizure operations across Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts . Joint teams comprising the Manipur Police, Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF and other central forces have recovered large caches of arms, ammunition, grenades, mortars and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In one recent operation alone, security personnel seized 90 firearms and 728 rounds of ammunition , underscoring the scale of the illegal arms network.

Officials say the recovery drive is beginning to show results. State police have reported that nearly 70 per cent of the weapons looted during the violence have been recovered , while more than 7,000 illegal weapons have either been seized or surrendered since the conflict began. Security forces have also demolished 39 illegal bunkers and continue to target cross-border arms trafficking networks that supply weapons to militant groups.

Recently, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh reiterated that lasting peace in Manipur would remain difficult unless all illegally held weapons are surrendered or recovered. Authorities believe that dismantling extortion rackets, disrupting arms supply chains and recovering illegal firearms are essential steps toward restoring public confidence and ensuring long-term stability.

With intelligence-based operations continuing across the state, the latest arrests are being viewed as another significant step in the broader campaign to weaken insurgent networks and restore normalcy in Manipur.