Amid continued tensions in parts of Manipur, security forces launched intelligence-based combing and search operations, arresting 11 militants from banned outfits including the Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group), People’s Liberation Army (PLA), and KCP (Apunba). The operations, conducted in Keirao Wangkhem and surrounding areas of Imphal East district, led to significant recovery of arms, ammunition, explosives, and documents, Manipur Police reported on May 5, 2025.
Among those arrested were Naorem Rabichandra Singh (30), Yengkokpam Premchan Singh (22), Ningthoukhongjam Bikash Singh, and Sanabam Ratan Singh (60). Seized from them were 2 AK rifles, 1 M4 rifle, 1 SLR rifle, 1 .303 rifle, along with wireless sets, live rounds, Aadhar cards, and mobile phones.
In a separate raid in Mantiripukhri French Colony, four members of the KCP (PWG) — Wahengbam Bimal Meiti (25), Sorenshangbam Sanjana Devi (25), Senjam James Singh (30), and Wangkheimayum Tarun Singh (24) — were detained. Authorities recovered 2 pistols, 5 demand letters from the banned group, mobile phones, Aadhar cards, and other gear.
Additionally, Moiranthem Oken (55), an active cadre of the PLA, was arrested with 2 pistols, a hand grenade, detonator, and a sling bag.
Two young members of KCP (Apunba) — Soibam Adit Singh (19) and Ningthouham Nagairam Meitei (19) — were arrested in a third operation. Items seized included phones, ID cards, and a wallet.
Across fringe and vulnerable areas of hill and valley districts, additional raids on May 4 and 5 yielded more semi-automatic rifles, pistols with magazines, a 12-bore gun, BP jackets, helmets, hand grenades, and even a 12-inch mortar HE MK 1 bomb.
Manipur Police emphasized that operations will continue in view of ongoing insurgent threats and to maintain peace in the state.