Manipur: Security forces launch major operation against armed militants along India-Myanmar border, arrest over 25 active cadres with arms and ammunition

Security forces in Manipur launch a major operation against active militants.
The arrested cadres of militant groups. (Source: @manipur_police/X)

On 22nd and 23rd March, the security forces launched coordinated raids and nabbed over 25 active cadres from various banned groups across the border and interior districts of Manipur. The crackdown resulted in the arrest of multiple persons, including minors and the confiscation of weapons, ammunition, cars, and money. The action is part of an effort intended to dismantle the state’s militant networks.

The police mentioned that 10 members of the banned group People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Red Army) or PREPAK (RA), including five minors, were captured on 23rd March (Monday) from the Indo-Myanmar border between pillars 77 and 82 under the Moreh Police Station area in Tengnoupal district. The included identified operatives from the districts of Bishnupur, Kakching, Imphal West and Imphal East. According to the police, the youngsters are being treated in compliance with the Juvenile Justice Act’s regulations.

22-year-old Athokpam Bikramjit Singh, also known as Tolamu, an active Kangleipak Communist Party (Apunba) cadre, was also taken into custody by the authorities from his home within the Lamlai Police Station area in Imphal East. He was found in possession of a cell phone which was confiscated.

Arambam Ingocha Meitei alias Achouba, a 26-year-old active cadre of the KCP (Nongdrenkhomba), was caught from the Phaknung region under the Lamlai Police Station area in another operation that day.

14 members of the outlawed UNLF (K) outift were apprehended from the Haokhong region which falls under the Nongpok Sekmai Police Station’s jurisdiction in Thoubal district, a day earlier. Senior and mid-level operatives from several Imphal Valley districts are among those arrested.

Two INSAS rifles, 13 magazines of different weapons, 100 rounds of INSAS ammunition, Rs 1 lakh in cash, 12 cell phones, 5 helmets, 5 bags, and 4 four-wheelers were among the assortment of weaponry and logistical items that security officials found alongside the apprehended United National Liberation Front (Kombirei) or UNLF (K) members. The seizure, according to officials, indicated a functioning operational network with mobility and logistical depth.

Furthermore, 41-year-old Pebam Sanjit Singh, also known as Lemba, an active Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) cadre, was arrested into custody from his house in Nambol, which is located in the Bishnupur district.

Thoudam Johnjackson Singh (42), a member of PREPAK (PRO) was taken into custody from his home under the Singjamei Police Station area in the Imphal West district. A cell phone and a SIM card were seized from him.

Earlier on 20th March, Koijam Boby Meitei, also known as Waibi (47) of Kongba, an active KCP (PWG) cadre, was detained by authorities in the Imphal East district’s Irilbung Police Station area. A cell phone was taken from him.

The officials stated that the synchronised actions show a persistent intelligence-driven strategy to suppress insurgency and uphold law and order in the area, especially along the vulnerable Indo-Myanmar border. Security personnel continue to be on high alert and further actions are probably in place as part of relentless efforts to dismantle extremist networks.

Since ethnic violence started two years ago, search activities have been carried out in Manipur by security forces.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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