Imphal: Security forces in Manipur have intensified a series of intelligence-led combing and search operations across the state, leading to the arrest of several active cadres linked to banned insurgent groups and the seizure of weapons, ammunition, and narcotics.
Conducted in both the hill and valley districts, the operations are part of a broader strategy to dismantle extortion networks and disrupt criminal activity in vulnerable regions.
On May 20, an active member of the KCP (Apunba) faction, identified as Phijam Tomba Meitei alias Meiraba (49) from Sekta Mayai Leikai, was apprehended from the Sawombung area in Imphal East District. Arrested under the jurisdiction of Lamlai Police Station, Meitei is accused of extorting money from a private school and a local oil pump—highlighting the deep reach of insurgent influence even in civilian institutions.
A day earlier, on May 19, authorities arrested another cadre from the KCP (Taibanganba) outfit. Konjengbam Akash Singh alias Pari (29), a resident of Moirang Terakhongsangbi in Bishnupur District, was captured near a primary school in Langthabal Khunou under Khongjom Police Station, Thoubal. He is alleged to have orchestrated widespread extortion schemes across the district, targeting an extensive list of businesses and institutions including banks, sawmills, hospitals, colleges, timber trucks, and even stone crushers. From his possession, police recovered a 9mm pistol with a magazine, four live rounds, a TYT walkie-talkie, and two mobile phones equipped with SIM cards.
In a separate but coordinated crackdown on the same day, three active members of the banned People’s Liberation Army (PLA) were arrested from various locations in Kakching District under Waikhong Police Station. The individuals—Nongmaithem Raju Singh alias Prince (49), Yumnam Sunil Singh (46), and Kshtrimayum Opendro Singh (56)—were allegedly engaged in extortion activities aimed at both government offices and private enterprises. Security forces recovered five live 9mm rounds, three mobile phones, and a two-wheeler from the arrested individuals.
Further intensifying their efforts, security teams conducting operations in the Pholjang-Tingkhai village track under New Keithelmanbi Police Station in Kangpokpi District uncovered a substantial cache of arms. The seizure included one self-loading rifle (SLR) with magazine, one double-barrel shotgun, two country-made bolt action rifles, four locally fabricated rifles with pull mechanisms, and five improvised mortars. In addition, a Motorola communication device, twenty 12-bore cartridges, and two bulletproof jackets were also recovered, indicating the preparedness of insurgent elements for violent confrontation.
On May 20, another arrest was made in Imphal West District, where an active member of the KCP-PSC (Politburo Standing Committee) group, Oinam Premjit Meitei alias Thonglen (33), was taken into custody from Lamlongei Sabal Leikai under Lamsang Police Station. A mobile phone and an Aadhaar card were recovered from him, further assisting authorities in establishing his identity and network connections.
Adding to the list of significant breakthroughs, Manipur Police also apprehended a suspected drug trafficker from Uttar Pradesh. Identified as Shamim Bano (46) from Barauli Malik in Barabanki, she was caught near a public toilet at North AOC under Imphal Police Station on May 20. Authorities seized 1.557 kg of suspected heroin powder, three bags, ₹1,400 in cash, a mobile phone, and an Aadhaar card from her possession—marking a critical interception in the ongoing battle against narcotics smuggling through the Northeast corridor.
Security forces have reaffirmed their resolve to maintain relentless pressure on insurgent groups, arms traffickers, and drug syndicates. The coordinated and intelligence-driven operations, they emphasized, will continue until peace and safety are fully restored across Manipur.