Have 16 Militants Been Arrested and 35 Arms Recovered in Manipur?

Imphal, July 15 (NationPress) A series of coordinated operations in Manipur led by the Army alongside various Central and state security forces have culminated in the apprehension of ten hardcore militants from different factions. Authorities reported the recovery of 35 types of firearms, including 11 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), an extensive stockpile of ammunition, and other military-grade supplies across five districts, as stated by officials on Tuesday.

In addition, Manipur Police apprehended another six militants from various groups in the last 24 hours in the districts of Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Imphal West.

A Defence spokesperson reported that these intelligence-driven, joint operations successfully led to the capture of ten militants affiliated with various prohibited extremist groups from both the hills and valleys.

Operations spanned several days across the five valley and hill districts, specifically in Kangpokpi, Bishnupur, Tengnoupal, Imphal West, and Imphal East. The majority of the seized arms—totaling 18 firearms—included one 5.56 mm Insas Rifle, one .303 Rifle, five Bolt Action Rifles, three Single Barrel Rifles, two Pull Mech Rifles, and six Improvised Mortars, with significant finds made in the mountainous Kangpokpi district.

During these operations, the Army utilized specialized assets such as explosive detection dogs. Units from the Army and Assam Rifles under the Spear Corps executed a series of operations in collaboration with the Manipur Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

Recovered weaponry from other districts included AK-56 rifles, AK-47 rifles, a .303 Light Machine Gun, a Carbine machine gun, a .303 rifle, one double-barrel rifle, and multiple pistols.

The detained militants, along with the confiscated arms, ammunition, explosives, and additional items, have been transferred to Manipur Police. These collective actions by security forces emphasize their steadfast dedication to upholding peace and security in Manipur, remarked the spokesperson.

Meanwhile, the Manipur Police have detained six more militants from various factions over the past 24 hours in Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Imphal West. The extremists are associated with the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), and People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

These apprehended individuals were reportedly engaged in extortion activities targeting civilians, traders, contractors, and government officials, while also actively recruiting members for their groups. Confiscated items from the militants included pistols, mobile phones, Aadhaar cards, motorcycles, and other documentation.

Security forces continue to conduct search operations and maintain a presence in sensitive and vulnerable areas across the districts. The police have issued warnings against the dissemination of rumors and misleading videos, urging the public to remain cautious and verify information through the Central Control Room, as per a police statement.

Authorities cautioned that the circulation of false posts on social media could lead to legal repercussions. They further appealed to the public to promptly return any looted arms, ammunition, and explosives to the police or the nearest security personnel.