In a series of coordinated counter-insurgency operations, joint security forces in Manipur have arrested fifteen militants and seized a significant cache of arms and ammunition. The operations, conducted by the Army, Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, and other paramilitary units, took place across multiple districts, including Churachandpur, Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, and Thoubal.
Defense spokesperson Lt Col Amit Shukla confirmed the arrests, stating that the operations were based on specific intelligence inputs. The arrested individuals are believed to be active members of various banned militant outfits, including the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), and People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK).
In addition to the fifteen militants apprehended, Manipur Police confirmed the arrest of ten more militants in the last 24 hours in Imphal West, Imphal East and Bishnupur districts. These detainees are linked to factions of KCP and PREPAK.
The security forces recovered a substantial amount of weaponry and explosives during the raids. According to Lt Col Shukla, the joint forces seized 69 weapons, including looted service rifles and locally fabricated arms, 16 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), grenades, radio equipment, and other war-like stores. Many of the recovered explosives were powerful enough to cause mass casualties. Police also recovered pistols, ammunition, mobile phones, and several incriminating documents during the arrests.
The operations are part of an intensified security drive aimed at curbing the resurgence of insurgent networks in the violence-hit state. Lt Col Shukla emphasized the security forces' unwavering commitment to restoring normalcy and ensuring long-term peace in the region.
Manipur Police also issued a statement urging citizens to remain vigilant and refrain from spreading unverified information on social media. They highlighted the increasing instances of fake videos and posts being shared online, warning that such activities would attract legal consequences. The police reiterated their appeal for the return of looted arms and explosives to the nearest police station or security post.
In efforts to strengthen law enforcement infrastructure, the state government has announced the establishment of a new police station in Imphal and the creation of 12 Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) posts across nine districts. This move aims to improve investigation oversight, strengthen policing in remote areas, and support effective law and order management amidst ongoing unrest. Security operations are expected to continue in both the valley and hill regions as authorities push to maintain peace and order.
