Four KCP Cadres Nabbed in Extortion Sting Amid Mounting Protests Over Extortion Epidemic in Manipur's Valley

In a successful joint operation conducted by Thoubal Police and the 33 Assam Rifles (AR), four active members of the proscribed outfit KCP(People War Group) were apprehended from the Yaripok Bazar area. The operation, driven by intelligence inputs and spearheaded by OC/CDO Thoubal, unfolded under the vigilant supervision of ASP(OPS) Thoubal.

The arrested individuals were identified as Sinam Bijen alias Mangang Meetei (38) hailing from Ingourok Awang Leikai, Thoubal; Angom Ingo alias Apa Singh (53) from Nongpok Sekmai Ward No. 3, Thoubal; Warepam Jayenta Singh (36) from Khamaran Makha Leikai, Imphal West District; and Oinam Naocha alias Max Singh (24) from Modangpok Khunjao Awang Leikai, Imphal West. All suspects were found to be actively involved with the insurgent group KCP(PWG).

During the operation, law enforcement authorities seized a cache of incriminating evidence, including five mobile handsets, two 9mm pistols accompanied by 15 live rounds, five demand letters, as well as 20 rounds of 5.56mm and four rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Additionally, an A-Star car, white in color, was impounded.

The confiscated materials and the arrested individuals have been processed in accordance with relevant legal provisions. A case has been registered under pertinent sections, further strengthening the crackdown on unlawful activities in the region.

Meanwhile, amidst a wave of frustration and solidarity, the All Yairipok Dukandar Association, in collaboration with pharmacists and other business stakeholders, organized a massive sit-in protest against the relentless extortion plaguing Manipur's valley by multiple groups.

The protest drew a substantial crowd, amplifying the community's shared anger towards the continuous pressure imposed by various organizations, deeming the situation intolerable.

Protestors stressed their compliance with extortion demands since the eruption of violence on May 3, 2023. However, escalating demands beyond their means have pushed them to a breaking point.

Their outcry reflects concerns about the detrimental effects of extortion on their livelihoods and the local economy.

The sit-in protest resonated as a unified voice, conveying a clear message: "Enough is enough."

Led by the Yairipok Dukandar Association, the protest shed light on the valley's lawlessness, exacerbated by the rampant mushrooming of extortion.