Three militants belonging to different proscribed groups were arrested from various parts of Manipur, police said on Monday.

An active member of the banned People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was apprehended near his residence in Kadangband, Imphal West district. He was identified as Sanasam Sanatomba Singh (54). Police recovered two INSAS light machine gun magazines, two camouflage helmets, five bulletproof plates, and four bulletproof vests from his possession.

The PLA, which operates mainly from its camps in neighbouring Myanmar, has been held responsible for several attacks on security forces in the past.

In a separate operation, an active cadre of the National Revolutionary Front of Manipur (NRFM) was arrested from Khoijuman in Bishnupur district, officials said.

Another member of the banned Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) was arrested from Paona Bazaar in Imphal West district. He was identified as Urikhinbam Premjit Singh (41) and was allegedly involved in extortion of local businesses in the Imphal Valley, police added.

Meanwhile, two passengers were arrested at Imphal Airport after 21.42 kg of ganja was recovered from their luggage. The accused were identified as Laishram Vikash Singh (20) and Ngangbam Nelson Meitei (19).