Manipur Security – Forces Arrest Suspected Insurgent, Recover Large Weapons Cache in Twin Operations
Manipur Security – Security forces conducted two separate operations in Manipur on Monday, leading to the arrest of a suspected militant associated with a banned insurgent organisation and the seizure of a significant quantity of illegal weapons, ammunition, and communication equipment. The operations were carried out in Kakching and Kangpokpi districts as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security and dismantle militant networks operating in the state.
Suspected Militant Taken Into Custody
Police said a 42-year-old man, described as a self-styled major of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (Apunba), was apprehended during a targeted operation at his residence in the Wangoo Mameiching area of Kakching district. The action followed intelligence inputs gathered by security agencies as part of their continuing campaign against unlawful insurgent groups.
Officials confirmed that the suspect is currently being questioned to establish his alleged involvement in the activities of the proscribed organisation. Investigators are also examining whether he maintained links with other militant groups operating in the region. Authorities stated that further legal proceedings will depend on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Extensive Arms Recovery in Kangpokpi
In another operation conducted the same day, security personnel recovered a substantial stockpile of weapons and related equipment from the Makokching hill range within the jurisdiction of Saikul Police Station in Kangpokpi district.
The search was carried out in a vulnerable area identified during intensified security and area domination exercises. Officials said such operations are intended to locate illegal arms hidden in remote locations and reduce the threat posed by armed groups.
Variety of Firearms and Explosives Seized
According to the police, the recovered cache included an M16 rifle, a Mark III rifle, a sniper rifle, a .22 bolt-action rifle and seven pistols. Security teams also seized 25 single-barrel firearms, four pumpis, three hand grenades and 20 detonators during the operation.
In addition, officials recovered 76 live rounds of ammunition of different calibres along with four radio communication sets believed to have been used for operational coordination. The seized items have been secured and will undergo forensic examination as investigators work to trace their origin and possible use in unlawful activities.
Security Measures Intensified Across Manipur
Police said the arrest and arms recovery are part of an ongoing campaign to curb militant activities and remove illegal weapons from sensitive areas across Manipur. Search operations and area domination exercises are continuing in districts identified as vulnerable from a security standpoint.
The state has remained under heightened security since ethnic violence erupted between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in May 2023. The prolonged unrest has resulted in more than 260 deaths while forcing thousands of people to leave their homes.
Authorities Continue Intelligence-Based Operations
Officials said coordinated operations involving the Army, Assam Rifles, Central Armed Police Forces and the Manipur Police will continue as part of efforts to restore stability. Intelligence-driven missions remain focused on locating illegal arms, disrupting militant networks and taking legal action against members of banned organisations.
Police reiterated that security operations will be sustained across vulnerable locations to strengthen law and order, prevent further violence and support the restoration of normalcy in the state.