Major Offensive in Manipur Targets Meitei Extremist Group; 26 Arrested

Synopsis

On February 21, security forces in Manipur conducted operations against Meitei radical groups, resulting in the arrest of 26 individuals. Protests erupted demanding the release of detainees, while a coordinated crackdown led to further apprehensions of militants and recovery of weapons.

Key Takeaways

26 members of Meitei radical groups arrested.
Protests erupted in various districts including Imphal East and West.
Governor warned of strict action against illegal arms.
Joint operations led to the apprehension of 16 more militants.
23 weapons recovered during the operations.

Imphal, Feb 21 (NationPress) A significant operation has been initiated by various security forces in Manipur against militants, resulting in the detention of 26 members associated with radical Meitei factions, according to officials.

Following the apprehension of village volunteers and individuals linked to the Arambai Tengol group in the Kakching district, protests erupted across the valley regions of Manipur.

Demonstrators, including numerous women, took to the streets demanding the release of those detained, engaging in actions such as burning tyres and obstructing roads in several locations to voice their discontent with the security measures taken.

A police spokesperson noted that security forces promptly transported the arrested Arambai Tengol members back to their camp after the detentions.

The arrests occurred just one day after Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla issued a firm warning, urging individuals to voluntarily turn in any looted or illegally possessed firearms and ammunition within a week.

The Governor warned that strict measures would be implemented against any violators post-deadline. Protests were reported across various districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, and Kakching.

In Imphal, demonstrators forced the closure of markets and roadside vendors in significant areas such as Wangkhei, Uripok, Thangmeiband, Kongba, Canchipur, and Khurai.

The atmosphere remains tense, with security forces vigilantly observing developments throughout the valley districts to avert further unrest. A protest led by women activists in Imphal demanded the cancellation of President’s Rule and the release of village volunteers.

In a coordinated series of intelligence-driven operations across six districts in Manipur, the Army, Assam Rifles, and Manipur Police apprehended 16 militants from various factions and seized 23 weapons and ammunition from them in both hill and valley regions.

A Defence spokesperson stated that these extensive joint operations took place in Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Tengnoupal, Jiribam, and Kakching districts on Wednesday and Thursday, leading to the recovery of 23 arms and a significant quantity of ammunition in these diverse areas. The arrested militants were affiliated with the Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) (KCP-PWG) and the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) groups.

All 16 militants from the KCP-PWG and KYKL groups, along with the confiscated arms and ammunition, have been transferred to the Manipur Police.