Imphal, Apr 1 (PTI) Security forces arrested two cadres of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (Apunba) for their alleged involvement in extortion activities in Manipur’s Imphal East district, police said on Wednesday.

A member of the proscribed outfit was apprehended from the Pundongbam Makha Leikai area on Tuesday, a police statement said.

Another cadre was arrested from his residence in Chana Mayai Leikai locality under the Lamlai Police Station limits on the same day.

“Intelligence-based combing, cordon and search operations are being carried out extensively to nab those involved in extortion and criminal activities in the state,” the police said.

Meanwhile, security forces recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and IEDs from the forest area of Saivom Ridge in Tengnoupal district on Tuesday.

“Four 9 mm pistols, 12 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), clothing items and uniforms, including two combat jackets and a cap, were recovered. The IEDs were also destroyed in Situ,” the 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 the ethnic strife between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May 2023. PTI CORR BDC