Manipur Terror Outfit Extorted Rs 150 cr in 4 yrs

By Rajesh Ahuja

New Delhi, Jan 17 : A probe carried out by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has laid bare the thriving extortion industry in Manipur.

It reveals that banned terror outfit United National Liberation Front (UNLF) earned around Rs 150 crore between 2007 and 2010 through extortion.

Besides UNLF, many other terror outfits are also extorting money in the state.

According to sources, while the outfit extorted around Rs 44 crore in 2007, it earned around Rs 38 crore in 2008, Rs 36 crore in 2009 and Rs 30 crore in 2010.

According to NIA sources, one part of the proceeds from extortion has been used by the outfit to   procure arms and ammunition and other part was invested by it in genuine business.
“Most of the funds come from contractors who execute various central and state government schemes,” said source.

The probe agency has arrested three top UNLF cadres, N Bomi Singh, Y Brojobidhu Singh and A Ibomcha Singh, who were allegedly part of the conspiracy to launder money into businesses. According to NIA, the trio held different positions in the Association for Extensive Growers Innovative Service.