Imphal: In a coordinated series of counterinsurgency operations spanning multiple districts of Manipur, security forces have apprehended four individuals—two of whom are confirmed militants—and seized a substantial cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives. The operations, carried out over the past few days, mark a significant step in ongoing efforts to restore law and order in the conflict-prone state.
On April 17, two active operatives of the banned outfit Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) were arrested by security personnel from Wangjing Khabakhong near the HP oil pump on National Highway 102 in Thoubal district. The suspects, identified as 21-year-old Mutum Ranjan Meitei and 23-year-old Ngasepam Barlin Singh, were taken into custody following a swift operation. Authorities recovered hand grenades, mobile devices, identity cards including Aadhaar and PAN, and a two-wheeler from the duo, suggesting their active involvement in subversive activities.
Just a day earlier, on April 16, Manipur Police cracked down on two other suspects linked to a viral video showing men wielding sophisticated firearms at an undisclosed location under Churachandpur Police Station. The accused, Chinsonlun (30) and Lamsuanlal Tombing (29), were located and detained, further tightening the noose around elements fueling instability in the state.
In parallel with these arrests, large-scale search operations and area domination exercises were executed across various hill and valley districts. These operations uncovered an alarming stockpile of weapons and military-grade gear. From Chingkhei Ching in Imphal East, security forces seized items including a 7.62 SLR rifle, SBBL guns, a 7.65 mm pistol, grenades, tear smoke shells, live rounds of different calibers, bulletproof jackets, helmets, and detonator parts.
In Tengnoupal district’s Saivom village, forces unearthed country-made 9mm pistols along with ammunition, ten improvised explosive devices (IEDs), hand grenades, and multiple Pompi shells. Khongnaobi Canal Road in Imphal West yielded an even more formidable cache, including an AK rifle, carbine machine gun, SLR, modified firearms, smoke and stun grenades, riot control gear, bulletproof vests, and defective INSAS magazines.
Further recoveries from the Wabagai Buffalo Farm area in Kakching district added to the growing list: a .303 rifle, bolt-action gun, 9mm pistol with rounds, a 51mm mortar shell, tear smoke and stun shells, HTVT handsets, and bulletproof plates—underscoring the seriousness of the threat posed by armed insurgents.
The scale and success of these operations reflect the relentless commitment of Manipur’s security forces to dismantle insurgent networks and stem the illegal flow of weapons. Authorities affirmed that such actions will continue with full force until peace and stability are firmly reinstated across the region.