Have 12 More Militants Been Apprehended in Manipur Along with a Large Cache of Arms?

Synopsis
In a significant operation, security forces in Manipur have apprehended 12 militants, including a woman, and seized a large arsenal of weapons. This incident highlights ongoing security challenges in the region amidst rising ethnic tensions.
Key Takeaways
- 12 militants arrested, including one woman cadre.
- A significant cache of arms and ammunition seized.
- Militants involved in kidnappings and extortion.
- Security operations ongoing in vulnerable areas.
- Vehicle recovery drive has retrieved numerous stolen vehicles.
Imphal, May 6 (NationPress) Security forces have successfully detained 12 additional militants, including a female cadre, from various groups and seized a substantial stockpile of arms and ammunition in Manipur over the last 24 hours, as reported by officials on Tuesday.
A representative from the police indicated that among the 12 militants captured, 11 are affiliated with the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), while one belongs to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
The apprehended militants, including the woman cadre, were taken into custody across four districts—eight from Imphal East, one from Imphal West, two from Thoubal, and one from Kakching.
A significant collection of arms and ammunition was recovered from the militants, which included AK series rifles, M4 rifles, .303 rifles, pistols, camouflage uniforms, mobile phones, various electronic devices, incriminating documents, and other materials.
These militants were implicated in activities such as kidnapping, extortion, and various crimes targeting government employees, contractors, traders, and the general public.
The security forces, composed of both central and state units, are actively engaged in apprehending militants from various factions almost daily.
In a related initiative, police have recovered six more stolen vehicles in a special operation aimed at retrieving vehicles taken by anti-social elements over the past 24 hours.
Amid ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, there have been extensive reports of vehicle thefts, with a total of 151 stolen cars and 30 two-wheelers recovered since April 16, when the special vehicle recovery drive commenced.
Combined security forces have persistently conducted search operations and maintained a presence in vulnerable areas of both hill and valley districts. Manipur is serviced by two critical National Highways—the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37) and the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway (NH-2)—which are vital for transporting food, essential goods, medicines, fuel, construction materials, machinery, and other commodities from outside the state. To avert any incidents, security forces provide escorts for all vehicles traversing these highways.