Imphal: Inspector General of Manipur Police, K. Jayanta, has raised concerns about the potential use of arms looted from police facilities for extortion activities across the state.
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Speaking at a media briefing held at the Imphal West District SP Conference Hall on Saturday, IGP Jayanta emphasized the police department’s commitment to curbing extortion by miscreants exploiting the ongoing unrest in Manipur. Although there had been a decline in extortion activities earlier, IGP Jayanta noted a troubling resurgence in organized extortion linked to the current crisis.
He also said that law enforcement agencies have made several arrests related to these cases and urged the public to report any incidents promptly, stressing the importance of collective action to tackle the issue.
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At the same press conference, IG (Intelligence) K. Kabib discussed the police’s intensified efforts, particularly through the newly established Anti-Extortion Cell, overseen by ADG (Law & Order). Kabib reported that over 250 arrests had been made in the past year for various illegal activities, with 121 individuals specifically connected to extortion.
IG K. Kabib further identified underground organizations and local gangs as the primary perpetrators, targeting individuals along highways and in valley areas. To improve security, 16 security companies have been deployed along national highways to ensure the safe passage of goods-laden vehicles, with two additional companies assigned to escort these vehicles, he said.
IG Kabib called for public cooperation to combat illegal “moral policing” and enhance the safety of citizens and businesses across the state.
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