In a major boost to security efforts in Manipur, police forces carried out a series of high-stakes operations across two key districts—Kangpokpi and Imphal East—leading to the recovery of a large cache of sophisticated weapons and the arrest of a dreaded insurgent. This development is part of an intensified campaign against armed groups destabilizing the region.
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Dual Raids Targeting Armed Militants
The twin operations, executed on April 9 and 10, come amid growing tensions in the northeastern state, which has seen a resurgence of ethnic violence and insurgency since 2023. Acting on intelligence inputs, Manipur Police, supported by Assam Rifles, conducted search operations in suspected hideouts used by militant outfits.
Key Outcomes of the Operations:
- Arrest of a hardcore militant linked to a banned insurgent group.
- Seizure of AK-47 rifles, INSAS rifles, SLRs, and various types of ammunition.
- Confiscation of hand grenades, detonators, bulletproof jackets, and tactical gear.
- Recovery of radio sets, documents, camouflage uniforms, and other warfare material.
The operations underscore the widening security dragnet aimed at disarming underground groups believed to be fuelling unrest across the hills and valley regions of Manipur.
Arrested Militant Has Long History of Armed Involvement
One of the key arrests was made in Imphal East, where police apprehended an alleged militant believed to be associated with the Kuki National Front (KNF). The suspect, whose identity is being withheld for operational reasons, is accused of:
- Planning attacks on rival groups and security forces.
- Illegally transporting arms across district borders.
- Recruiting youth into armed organizations.
Authorities described him as a “high-value operative” involved in past incidents of violence and extortion.
Militant Infrastructure Under Scanner
The crackdown is not limited to individual arrests. Investigators are now focusing on dismantling the wider infrastructure that sustains militant activity. This includes:
- Illegal arms supply chains operating across state and international borders.
- Terror financing networks involving extortion and smuggling.
- Hidden bunkers and safehouses used for weapons storage and training camps.
Officials hinted that foreign-manufactured weapons may have been smuggled in via porous borders with Myanmar, which shares a long frontier with Manipur.
Public Safety Measures and Civilian Appeal
In light of the continuing security threats, police have appealed to civilians for cooperation:
- Report any suspicious activity or unknown individuals in your locality.
- Stay away from conflict zones and abandoned buildings.
- Cooperate during house-to-house searches being carried out in sensitive areas.
The Director General of Police (DGP) assured that all operations are being conducted “with utmost care to prevent civilian casualties and uphold human rights.”
Recent Surge in Anti-Militancy Drives
This week’s operations are not isolated events but part of a broader pattern of intensified law enforcement activity in Manipur. Over the past fortnight alone:
- 11 militants were arrested across multiple districts.
- Over 30 weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition have been recovered.
- Coordinated actions by Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, and Central Armed Police Forces have resulted in increased surveillance and search operations.
Security analysts believe this is a tactical response to the resurgence of ethnic militancy, especially after last year’s large-scale violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
Government’s Firm Stand on Peace and Security
The government of Manipur has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards insurgency. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has pledged to:
- Continue armed operations against militant groups.
- Strengthen intelligence networks.
- Facilitate the rehabilitation of surrendered militants.
He also stated that the state is committed to restoring normalcy, peace, and inter-community trust, but warned that “those choosing the path of violence will be dealt with firmly.”
What’s Next?
The arrested militant is currently in police custody and undergoing interrogation. Authorities expect his capture will lead to more arrests and uncovering of larger conspiracies.
Meanwhile, the seized weapons are being examined for forensic evidence, including serial number tracking and ballistic testing, which could help trace their origin and usage in previous incidents.
The operations will continue in phases, and more raids are expected in the coming days as the state tightens control over insurgent-held territories.
Moving Forward
The successful arms seizure and arrest of a key insurgent marks a significant victory for the security forces of Manipur. It sends a strong message to all militant factions operating in the region: the state is no longer a safe haven for illegal weapons and violent ideologies.
The people of Manipur, long caught in the crossfire of insurgency and unrest, can hope that such actions pave the way for a more stable and peaceful future.
By – Nikita
