Imphal: Security forces arrested nine active cadres linked to several banned insurgent organisations during coordinated operations conducted across multiple districts of Manipur over a 24-hour period, police said.
The operations, carried out jointly by Manipur Police and central security forces, resulted in the seizure of assault rifles, AK-series weapons, improvised explosive devices, detonators and a large quantity of ammunition.
Those arrested were allegedly associated with outfits including the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), United National Liberation Front (UNLF), People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), Kangleipak Communist League (KKL) and other insurgent groups.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint team of Churachandpur district police and the 5 Assam Rifles conducted an operation in the Munpi village area under Henglep subdivision.
Three alleged cadres of a tribal insurgent group were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Khual (35) of Munpi village, Money Chiru (30) of Nungrai village in Bishnupur, and Thanglalmuan (25) of Nghathal village.
Security forces recovered one 7.62 mm HKG-3 assault rifle, one 5.56 mm A1 assault rifle, one 5.56 mm M22 assault rifle and two 7.62 mm AK-47 rifles from the suspects.
The seizure also included seven magazines, 298 rounds of ammunition of different calibres and five tactical pouches.
In another operation, the Special Commando Unit from Khabeisoi arrested an alleged active PLA cadre, Angom Jeeten Singh (55), from the Lamdeng Khunou area under Lamsang police station.
The operation was conducted following intelligence inputs shared by the 33 Assam Rifles. Based on information obtained during questioning, security personnel subsequently searched an area at Phayeng Awang Leikai along the UK Road in Imphal West.
The search led to the recovery of eight suspected TNT slabs, seven live bombs, 10 detonators and 151 rounds of ammunition, police said.
In a separate operation in Imphal West, the Special Commando Unit raided a residence under Sekmai police station and arrested Pukhrambam John Singh, alias Tomba Singh (39). He was identified as an alleged PREPAK cadre and is suspected of being involved in the group’s logistics, transportation and illegal possession of weapons.Recruitment and extortion networks targeted
Security forces also carried out operations targeting alleged recruitment and extortion networks linked to insurgent groups in other districts.
In Imphal East, the district commando unit arrested Moirangthem Sanathoi Meitei, alias Marukhoi (19), from Khabeisoi following intelligence inputs from the 28 Assam Rifles, 13/2 FIT and 11 WEU.
Investigators said the teenager had allegedly joined the RPF/PLA in August 2026 and was involved in recruiting new cadres. A scooter and mobile phone were recovered from his possession.
In Thoubal, the Special Action Force for Extortion (SAFE), along with Thoubal district police and the 46 Assam Rifles, arrested alleged UNLF (K) cadre Khundongbam Motilal Singh, alias Khongul (26), from Lamding Khumanthem Leikai. A two-wheeler was also seized.
In Tengnoupal, police arrested Ningthoujam Suresh Singh, alias Chingsang (26), an alleged active UNLF cadre, during a search operation at Kharou Khullen. He is originally from Thoubal district.
Meanwhile, Bishnupur commandos arrested Khoirakpam Rameshwor Singh (43), an alleged KYKL cadre, during an operation in the Ithai-Kumbi area.
Police officials said the coordinated operations had disrupted the activities and support networks of several insurgent groups operating across the state.
Security has subsequently been strengthened along strategic routes and other sensitive areas, while further investigations are underway to trace the sources and intended destinations of the seized firearms, ammunition and explosives.