In a major crackdown on insurgency and organised crime, joint security forces in Manipur arrested five militants belonging to two banned outfits during coordinated operations over the past 24 hours. According to police officials, the arrests were made across Bishnupur, Imphal West, and Imphal East districts as part of intelligence-driven combing and search operations.

A police spokesperson said the arrested militants were members of the outlawed People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP). Several mobile phones and other incriminating materials were recovered from their possession. Investigations revealed that the militants were actively involved in extorting money from contractors, government employees, traders, and local residents.

In a separate operation, security forces also arrested a drug peddler identified as Suimi Awungshi, 53, from Imphal East district. Authorities seized approximately one kilogram of brown sugar valued at around ₹20 lakh, highlighting the nexus between insurgent activity and narcotics trafficking in the region.

Also Read: Delhi High Court Quashes Criminal Case Against Gautam Gambhir in Covid-19 Drugs Controversy

The operations further led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition from Thoubal and Imphal East districts. The seized weapons included an SMG carbine, a .303 rifle, multiple single-barrel and 12-bore guns, modified rifles, pistols, and two high-explosive hand grenades, along with large quantities of ammunition.

Security forces comprising central and state agencies continue extensive area domination and search operations in vulnerable and mixed-population areas across Manipur. To strengthen surveillance, 113 checkpoints have been set up across valley and hill districts, while security escorts are being provided for essential commodity vehicles along the Imphal–Jiribam National Highway.

Manipur Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant against rumours and misinformation circulating on social media. The public has also been appealed to return any looted arms, ammunition, or explosives to the nearest police station or security forces, as efforts continue to restore law and order across the state.

Also Read: Bengaluru ATM Heist Solved: Cop Among Three Arrested, ₹5.7 Crore Recovered