Imphal, Dec 7 (NationPress) Security forces in Manipur have successfully apprehended 18 hardcore militants associated with various banned militant organizations across multiple districts, recovering a significant cache of arms and ammunition in the last 24 hours, officials reported on Sunday.

A high-ranking official disclosed that these militants are affiliated with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and its faction Revolutionary People's Front (RPF), along with the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), and the United Kuki National Army (UKNA).

The arrests occurred in the districts of Bishnupur, Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, and Kakching.

Among the seized items were small firearms, hand grenades, numerous Aadhaar cards, and a collection of mobile phones belonging to the detained militants.

In a coordinated operation, security forces also retrieved additional ammunition and materials from the Imphal West district.

The items included two single barrel guns, five pistols with one magazine, one air pistol, 11 magazines, five 12 bore cartridges, 45 rounds of AK ammunition, three high power grenades, six detonators, five camouflage caps, and one camouflage helmet.

In relation to threats made against participants of the Sumang Leela Associations and other artists during the recently concluded Manipur Sangai Festival 2025, the police have filed five cases across five districts in the Imphal valley: Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching.

Investigations are currently in progress to identify and take appropriate legal action against the individuals involved.

So far, four militants have been arrested concerning these cases.

The police have pledged that stringent measures will be enforced against any attempts to intimidate or disrupt cultural activities and public events in the state.

After a hiatus of two years, the 10-day Sangai Tourism Festival was held at Hapta Kangjeibung in Imphal from November 21 to November 30.

Meanwhile, in anticipation of the Sangai Festival, various groups of internally displaced individuals affected by violence and numerous civil society organizations, including the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an umbrella organization of several Meitei civil society groups, had initiated a cease-work strike and urged the public to boycott the festival, organizing a series of protests.

The protestors argued that with the state government organizing the annual festival, it implies that normalcy has been restored, and thus, they should be permitted to return home rather than remain in relief camps.

Security forces are continuing their extensive operations against militants, with ongoing search operations and area domination efforts in mixed-population and vulnerable regions across various districts.

A total of 113 checkpoints have been established throughout Manipur's valley and hill districts to combat the illegal movement of hostile elements and suspicious vehicles.

Additionally, security forces are providing escorts for vehicles, including trucks carrying essential goods, along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37).

Robust security measures and convoy protection are being maintained in sensitive areas to ensure the safe transit of vehicles.

The Manipur Police have urged the public to remain vigilant against rumors and to be cautious of fake videos on social media.

"The authenticity of any circulating unfounded videos or audio clips can be verified with the Central Control Room. Sharing false posts on social media may lead to legal repercussions," a police statement cautioned.