Manipur Police Arrest Militants, Arms Dealer Amid Rising Tensions

Security forces in Manipur’s Imphal West and Bishnupur districts arrested two militants from banned outfits and a notorious arms dealer on Wednesday, police confirmed. The operations, part of an ongoing effort to curb violence in the strife-torn state, have sent shockwaves through local communities.

In Imphal West’s bustling Paona Bazar, authorities apprehended an active member of the outlawed People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (Prepak). The suspect allegedly extorted Rs 5,000 from a resident in Kakching, highlighting the persistent issue of extortion plaguing the region. Meanwhile, in Bishnupur’s Tronglaobi area, a cadre of the banned People’s Liberation Army (PLA) was detained. The arrest sparked immediate backlash, with locals blocking roads to demand the militant’s release, escalating tensions in the area.

Adding to the haul, security forces nabbed a 48-year-old arms dealer in Imphal West’s Moirangkhom Old Thumbuthong Makhong. A 9 mm pistol loaded with bullets was seized from his possession, raising concerns about illegal arms trafficking fueling unrest in Manipur.

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In a separate operation in Kakching’s Kaibung area, authorities uncovered a cache of improvised explosive device (IED) components. The seizure included a 1.7 kg container, 3 kg of sand, 470 grams of explosive TNT, 12 screws, an electric detonator, wiring, and other materials, signaling a potential threat thwarted.

Manipur has been reeling from ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023, claiming over 260 lives and displacing thousands. Security forces have intensified search operations to restore order. Following Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s resignation, the Centre imposed President’s rule, and the state assembly, set to function until 2027, remains in suspended animation as the region grapples with ongoing unrest.

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