Security forces in Manipur have arrested six militants linked to different banned insurgent groups, recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition and explosives, and apprehended an alleged drug peddler in separate operations across several districts, officials said on Tuesday. The coordinated operations were conducted over the past 24 hours as part of intensified efforts to curb insurgent activities and maintain law and order in the state.

A senior police official said the arrests were made during intelligence-based operations carried out jointly by Manipur Police and other security agencies in Imphal West, Imphal East, Tengnoupal and Kakching districts. The arrested individuals were allegedly associated with banned outfits, including the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), People's Liberation Army (PLA), its political wing Revolutionary People's Front (RPF), and the Socialist Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (SOREPA).

According to police, the arrested militants were allegedly involved in criminal activities such as kidnapping and the collection of forced "subscriptions", a term often used by insurgent groups for extortion. Security forces also carried out search operations in vulnerable areas of Imphal East, Bishnupur and other districts, recovering a significant quantity of weapons, explosives and communication equipment.

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The recovered arms included five Self Loading Rifles (SLRs), five INSAS rifles of different variants, four AK-series rifles, six .303 rifles, 10 single-barrel guns, four double-barrel guns, one country-made sniper rifle, three pistols, a locally made "Pompi" gun and a 12-bore rifle. Authorities also recovered improvised explosive devices (IEDs), live ammunition and wireless communication sets during the operations.

In a separate anti-narcotics operation, police arrested 33-year-old Letmintgang Haolai from the Tuibong area of Churachandpur district. Officials said 2.5 kg of brown sugar, estimated to be worth around Rs 5 crore in the international illicit market, was seized along with a two-wheeler allegedly used by the accused. Police suspect the narcotics may have been smuggled into the state through the Myanmar border due to Churachandpur’s proximity to the international boundary.

Meanwhile, security forces comprising central and state agencies have continued large-scale counter-insurgency operations across Manipur. Authorities have established 111 checkpoints and nakas across valley and hill districts to monitor suspicious movements. Security personnel are also providing escorts to vehicles, including trucks carrying essential supplies, along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37) to ensure uninterrupted transportation and strengthen security measures.

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