Security forces in Manipur’s Imphal West and East districts apprehended four members of banned militant groups on Sunday, dealing a significant blow to insurgent activities in the region. The arrests, coupled with the seizure of a substantial stockpile of weapons, underscore the ongoing efforts to curb militancy in the state, police officials confirmed.

The first suspect, 34-year-old Angom Achou Singh, an active cadre of the outlawed Kangleipak Communist Party (City Meitei), was detained in a targeted raid at Phayeng Ching Khunou, a quiet residential area in Imphal West. Authorities recovered a double-barrel rifle from his possession, raising concerns about planned subversive activities in the region.

In a separate operation in Imphal East’s Napetpalli, security forces arrested 37-year-old Ngairangbam Apollo Meetei, a member of the banned KCP (Maoist) outfit. The operation, conducted at his residence, was part of a broader crackdown on the group’s operations, which have long posed a threat to regional stability.

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Another raid in Khabeisoi, Imphal East, led to the arrest of 34-year-old Md Alam Khan, an active member of the proscribed KCP (People’s War Group). His detention further weakened the outfit’s network in the area. Additionally, a member of the PREPAK (Red Army) was apprehended in Chanung, Imphal East, though further details about this individual remain undisclosed.

In a parallel operation, security forces conducted a sweeping search at Sangaithel Longa Koireng Crossing in Imphal West, uncovering a massive cache of arms and ammunition. The haul included four single-barrel guns, a modified sniper rifle, two 9mm pistols, four magazines of varying types, 120 cartridges of different calibers, three hand grenades, three detonators, fourteen helmets, and three bullet-proof plates. This seizure highlights the scale of the threat posed by these groups and the proactive measures being taken to neutralize it.

“These operations reflect our commitment to maintaining peace and security in Manipur,” a senior police official stated. “The recovery of such a large quantity of arms and the arrest of key operatives will significantly disrupt the plans of these banned organizations.”

The arrests and seizures come amid heightened security measures in Manipur, a state that has long grappled with insurgent activities. Authorities are continuing investigations to uncover potential links to larger networks and to prevent further threats to public safety. Local residents have expressed relief at the swift action but remain cautious, given the region’s complex security challenges.

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