Security forces in Manipur conducted a series of major operations on Tuesday, 14 July, recovering a large cache of arms and explosives, arresting a militant belonging to the banned People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), and seizing approximately 50 kg of suspected opium valued at over ₹3 crore in the illicit market, according to officials.

Arms Cache Recovered in Churachandpur

A joint team of the Manipur Police and the 19 Garhwal Rifles conducted a search operation in the forest area of K. Thenjang village in Churachandpur district, a region that shares borders with Myanmar and Mizoram. The team recovered a substantial haul of arms, explosives, and war-like stores. According to officials, a detailed inventory of the recovered weapons — including sophisticated arms — is still being compiled.

PREPAK Militant Arrested, Grenades Seized

In a separate operation, security forces arrested a militant of the outlawed PREPAK from the Yourabung Panthoibi Leikai area under Imphal East district. The arrested individual was identified as Ningombam Amuthoi Meitei, 30, a resident of Imphal East district. Eight powerful hand grenades were recovered from his possession at the time of arrest.

50 kg Opium Seized on Imphal-Dimapur Highway

The Manipur Police also recovered 49 packets of suspected opium — weighing approximately 50 kg — from an abandoned vehicle found near Hengbung Baptist Church along the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2). The vehicle had earlier evaded a naka checking point at T. Khullen under Senapati Police Station in Senapati district before being abandoned. Documents belonging to one Z. Reithingam, 52, a resident of Ukhrul district, were recovered from the vehicle. Preliminary investigations indicate the consignment originated from neighbouring Myanmar, which shares approximately 400 km of unfenced border with Manipur. Myanmar — particularly its northern Kachin and Shan states — remains among the world's largest opium-producing regions. Further investigation is underway.

Broader Security Clampdown Across the State

This comes amid an intensified security operation across Manipur, with Central and state forces conducting regular search operations and area domination exercises in fringe, mixed-population, and other vulnerable zones. A total of 111 nakas and checkpoints have been deployed across valley and hill districts to restrict the movement of militants, anti-social elements, and suspicious vehicles. Security escorts continue along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37), particularly for convoys carrying essential commodities through vulnerable stretches. The Manipur Police have also cautioned citizens against rumours and misleading content circulating on social media.

As investigations progress, security agencies are expected to pursue leads from the recovered documents and the arms haul to dismantle deeper trafficking and militant networks operating in the region.