Imphal: Manipur Police, in coordination with central security forces, has significantly intensified its counter-insurgency campaign, conducting a series of intelligence-driven combing and cordon-and-search operations across multiple districts from June 30 to July 1.
The crackdown resulted in the arrest of several cadres from proscribed militant groups and the recovery of a large cache of arms, ammunition, and military-grade equipment.
A key breakthrough came on July 1 with the arrest of Namgaklung Kamei alias November (42), the self-styled Deputy Chief of Army of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF-J), from the Kekrupat area in Imphal West. A 9mm pistol loaded with 10 rounds and a mobile phone were seized from his possession.
The same day, an active operative of KYKL (SOREPA), Mutum Ibohanbi Singh (49) of Andro Khuman, was nabbed by personnel of Andro Police Station in Imphal East, and a mobile phone was recovered. In a separate operation in Imphal East’s Porompat area, Md. Ajad Khan alias Kathokpa (29), affiliated with KCP (PWG), was arrested from Khurai Chaithabi Leirak with a mobile phone in his possession.
Another arrest in the same district involved Khulem Tulajit Meitei alias Tulen (21), a KCP (Apunba) cadre, who was apprehended from Khurai Kongkham Leikai.
A day earlier, on June 30, police arrested Khoirom Ingoton Singh alias Tomba (48), an active member of KCP (NOYON/MFL), from Keirao Khunou under Irilbung Police Station. Singh, allegedly involved in extorting funds from educational institutions, was found with a single-barrel gun, a 9mm pistol with two live rounds, a bulletproof helmet and jacket, and radio communication devices.
In addition to the arrests, extensive search operations in vulnerable zones yielded a massive haul of arms and explosives. In Jiribam district’s Jairolpokpi to Uchathol area, security forces recovered two modified .303 rifles, six single-barrel and four double-barrel guns, two 12-bore shotguns, one tear gas gun, and one pompi gun. Ammunition included 180 live .303 rounds, eight SLR rounds, and 27 rounds of 5.56mm. Also recovered were 11 tube launchers, five walkie-talkies with chargers, and eight tear gas shells.
Another operation in Kangpokpi district’s Nepali Khutti, Kotlen area, led to the recovery of three bolt action rifles, four single-barrel rifles, two pull-mechanism rifles, and six improvised mortars. Notably, three white phosphorus grenades, three No. 36 hand grenades, two UBGL shells, 45 rubber bullets, and various caliber ammunition were also seized, along with four tube launchers and additional tear gas munitions.
Simultaneously, Manipur Police continued routine enforcement of traffic laws. On July 1 alone, 58 challans were issued, netting ₹94,500 in penalties. A stolen vehicle was recovered on June 30, and officers removed tinted films from 28 vehicles to ensure road safety and compliance with existing laws.
Authorities have stated that the crackdown on insurgency and illegal arms is ongoing, and further operations are likely in the coming days.
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