Imphal
In a major counter-insurgency operation, security forces arrested eight militants belonging to various banned extremist organisations across five districts of Manipur in the past 24 hours, officials confirmed on Sunday. The coordinated operations underscore ongoing efforts to maintain peace and curb militant activities in the strife-hit state.
According to police officials, the arrested individuals were associated with proscribed outfits including the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The arrests were made in Jiribam, Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts.
Officials said the militants were involved in several criminal activities, including intimidation, extortion, and forcible collection of money from residents, government employees, and contractors. During the raids, security forces recovered small arms, an improvised explosive device (IED), Aadhaar and PAN cards, several mobile phones, additional SIM cards, and a car used in illegal activities.
In a separate operation, arms and ammunition were seized from the mountainous Kangpokpi district. The recovered items included five locally made bolt-action single-barreled guns, two wireless communication sets, and combat gear, indicating the presence of organised militant groups operating in the region.
Manipur Police said 115 checkpoints have been established across both hill and valley districts to monitor the movement of insurgent elements and suspicious vehicles. Security forces are also providing armed escorts to convoys carrying essential commodities along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37) to ensure safe transportation.
Authorities have urged citizens not to believe or spread rumours and to verify any unconfirmed information through official sources. Uploading or circulating fake posts or videos on social media will invite strict legal action, the police cautioned, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining law and order across the state.
