Who Were the Three Militants and Arms Smuggler Arrested in Manipur?
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Synopsis
In a significant operation in Manipur, security forces have successfully arrested three militants linked to outlawed groups and an arms smuggler. This move comes after a deadly ambush that resulted in the loss of two Assam Rifles personnel. The ongoing efforts to curb insurgency are crucial for regional stability.
Key Takeaways
- Three militants and an arms smuggler arrested in Manipur.
- Arrests linked to an ambush that killed two Assam Rifles personnel.
- Seizure of components for Improvised Explosive Devices.
- Local protests erupted demanding the release of the militants.
- Security forces continue operations to capture more suspects.
Imphal, Sep 25 (NationPress) Security forces have apprehended three militants linked to two distinct outlawed organizations, along with an arms dealer in Manipur over the last 24 hours.
A senior police official reported that the arrested militants, taken into custody from Imphal West and Bishnupur districts, are affiliated with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), both of which are designated as banned groups.
The detained PREPAK militant, identified as Naorem Abinash Singh (19), allegedly extorted Rs 5,000 from an individual in the Kakching region. Officials seized a mobile phone, a sling bag, and a wallet from him.
Following the arrest of the two PLA militants, local residents obstructed a road in the Tronglaoba area on Wednesday evening, demanding their release.
Moreover, security forces apprehended a 48-year-old arms smuggler, named Kangjam Rakesh Singh, from Imphal West district. Authorities recovered a 9mm pistol with one live round in the magazine and a mobile phone from his possession.
In an additional operation, security forces discovered substantial components for constructing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the Kaibung area of Kakching district. The haul included a container weighing 1.7 kg, three kg of sand, explosive TNT weighing 470 grams, 12 screws, an electric detonator, electric wire, and other materials, according to police reports.
Meanwhile, senior police, Assam Rifles, and intelligence officials continue to interrogate the main suspect linked to the September 19 ambush, where two Assam Rifles personnel lost their lives and five were injured by an armed group in Manipur's Bishnupur district.
The primary suspect in the September 19 ambush, Khomdram Ojit Singh alias Keilal, aged 47, was captured on Wednesday in the Kameng area of Imphal West district. He is associated with the extremist outfit PLA. Raids are ongoing in various locations across the Imphal valley to apprehend additional suspects and associates of Khomdram Ojit Singh involved in last week’s ambush, the official stated.
According to Defence spokesman Lt Col Amit Shukla, an Assam Rifles team was returning from flood relief operations in the Imphal Valley when their convoy was ambushed by an unidentified insurgent group along the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway-2 in Bishnupur district on September 19.
In the ambush, Assam Rifles’ Naib-Subedar Shyam Gurung, aged 59, and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap, aged 36, were killed. Gurung hailed from Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills district, while Kashyap was a resident of Chhattisgarh's Bastar district.
Point of View
It is vital to recognize the persistent security challenges faced in Manipur. The recent arrests underscore the ongoing fight against insurgency. We stand with the nation in seeking peace and stability, emphasizing the importance of supporting our security forces.
NationPress
25/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the arrests of militants in Manipur?
The arrests were part of an operation targeting insurgent activities following a deadly ambush on Assam Rifles personnel.
What groups are the arrested militants associated with?
The militants are linked to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), both outlawed organizations.
What was found with the arms smuggler?
The arms smuggler was found with a 9mm pistol and a live round in the magazine, along with a mobile phone.
How has the local community reacted to these arrests?
Following the arrests, local residents protested, blocking roads in demand for the release of the detained militants.
What is the impact of these arrests on regional security?
These arrests are crucial in mitigating insurgent threats and ensuring the safety of civilians and security personnel in the region.
