Imphal: In a major offensive against insurgency and organized crime, Manipur’s security forces have intensified their operations across the state, leading to significant recoveries of arms and the arrest of multiple individuals linked to extortion, illegal activities, and smuggling.
The coordinated crackdown, driven by intelligence inputs, reflects a renewed effort to restore order and dismantle criminal networks in the conflict-affected region.
In Thoubal District, a high-impact search operation in the Gwarok Hill Range near Bengi village under Nongpok Sekmai Police Station resulted in the seizure of a .303 rifle with magazine, four No. 36 hand grenades without detonators, an improvised mortar known locally as a “Pompi Gun,” two live rounds of INSAS ammunition, an INSAS LMG magazine, and camouflage clothing marked with PLA insignia. The recovery underscores the continued threat posed by armed insurgent groups operating in the hill regions.
The clampdown extended to Imphal West, where on May 7, Arambam Birkumar alias Kanba, a 47-year-old active cadre of the banned KCP (PWG), was arrested near Thambaleima High School while residing at a relief camp. Birkumar had been allegedly issuing threats and extortion demands to public officials, financial institutions, brick kilns, and civilians. Police recovered two mobile phones, an Aadhaar card, and ₹3,530 in cash from his possession.
The previous day, police nabbed another operative, 27-year-old Oinam Sanamacha Meitei of KCP (City Meitei), from Awang Khunou Mayai Leikai. Seized from him were a two-wheeler, a mobile phone with two SIM cards, and a small amount of cash. Authorities believe both arrests are part of a wider extortion network exploiting the current unrest for financial gain.
In a separate operation targeting illegal SIM card distribution, two youths were apprehended in Thoubal District for selling SIM cards without proper KYC verification. Nineteen-year-old Laishram Rajesh Singh was arrested from his residence at Khangabok Part-III Khunou Leikai, while 27-year-old Md. Nawaz Khan was caught in front of a shop at Sangaiyumpham Cherapur. The duo was found with four mobile handsets, two Aadhaar cards, a biometric fingerprint scanner, and 41 new SIM cards—raising concerns over digital fraud and communications misuse by anti-social elements.
In an anti-liquor drive, a joint team of Manipur Police and the CRPF seized 2,500 litres of DIC liquor at Chiru Lamkhai near Sangaithel outpost on May 7. The haul, hidden in two four-wheelers, belonged to Dithaipou Golmei and Poujuanlung Kamei. Authorities have initiated legal proceedings against both.
Meanwhile, police conducted a special vehicle recovery operation on May 6, leading to the return of three stolen or snatched vehicles and the removal of tinted windows from 41 others. Security convoys ensured the safe passage of 293 vehicles along NH-2 and 119 vehicles on NH-37, both key supply routes for essential goods.
Manipur Police, supported by central forces, have set up 109 checkpoints across multiple districts and detained six individuals for verification. Area domination exercises continue across sensitive and fringe zones in both the valley and the hills.
Adding to the arms cache, security forces uncovered another stockpile in the Wangjing Tekcham area of Thoubal District, including a .303 rifle with magazine, two 9mm pistols (one missing its magazine), a hand grenade, nine .303 live rounds, various tear smoke shells, anti-riot cartridges, two Baofeng walkie talkies, a Kenwood set, and a compatible charger.
With the situation in Manipur still volatile, these multi-layered operations mark a significant stride toward re-establishing peace and enforcing law across the troubled state. Security forces have reiterated their commitment to protecting civilians, rooting out threats, and maintaining control in both insurgency-hit and crime-prone regions.
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