In Imphal West district, Manipur police have apprehended two active members of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (Noyon). The arrests were made on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in connection with recent firing incidents that occurred on Friday, January 9, 2026, in the Langjing Achouba, Ghari, and Sangaiprou areas.
According to a senior police officer, the two militants were apprehended from the Sagolband and Phumlou areas. Following the reported firing incidents, the Manipur Police conducted extensive search operations and analyzed CCTV footage from the affected areas. The two individuals were arrested after their involvement in the shootings was confirmed. During the arrest, authorities recovered an M-20 pistol loaded with bullets. Authorities also stated that the two were previously involved in at least eight firing incidents.
In a separate operation, security forces recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition from Awlmun village in the Kangpokpi district on Saturday. The recovered items included seven rifles, four improvised mortars, two hand grenades, and ammunition.
Security forces have been conducting ongoing search operations in Manipur since the eruption of ethnic strife in May 2023. The violence, primarily between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups, has resulted in over 260 deaths and displaced thousands. Due to the unrest, the central government imposed President's rule in Manipur after the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh last year. The state assembly, which is slated to continue until 2027, is currently under suspended animation.
In other news, on January 5, 2026, suspected Chin Kuki militants attacked Meitei villagers with bombs in Saiton village, Bishnupur District, injuring several, including women. The injured villagers were identified as Nongthombam Indubala Devi and Soibam Sanatomba. This was the second attack within a month on Meitei villagers by suspected Kuki militants, targetting IDPs returning home after over two years. Following the attack, villagers protested and demanded increased security.
