Manipur security ops: 5 militants held, AK-47 and grenades seized
Synopsis
Within 24 hours, Manipur security forces detained five militants from two banned outfits — UKNA and MRA — and seized an AK-47, grenades, and 67 live rounds across Churachandpur and Imphal East. A separate drug bust netted 189.05 kg of opium seeds. With 114 checkpoints active statewide, the operations signal an intensified security push in a state still gripped by ethnic conflict.
Key Takeaways
Five militants from the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) and Manipur Revolutionary Army (MRA) were arrested on 24 May 2025 .
Weapons recovered include an AK-47 , an INSAS rifle , a 9 mm pistol , 67 live rounds , and two hand grenades .
Drug peddler Tholung Koshel Lamkang (34) was arrested with 189.05 kg of opium seeds on NH-102 .
A total of 114 nakas are operational across Manipur's valley and hill districts.
Security escorts are active on the Imphal-Jiribam NH-37 for essential commodity convoys.
Police warned the public against sharing fake videos, citing legal consequences.
Security forces in Manipur arrested five militants affiliated with two banned outfits and seized a significant cache of arms and ammunition across multiple districts within a 24-hour window ending 24 May 2025, officials said. The operations spanned both the hilly Churachandpur district and the valley-region Imphal East district, underscoring the breadth of the ongoing security crackdown in the conflict-affected state.
Who Was Arrested and Where
The five detained militants belong to the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) and the Manipur Revolutionary Army (MRA), both proscribed organisations. Separate operations by security forces led to their apprehension from Churachandpur in the hills and Imphal East in the valley — two districts that have remained flashpoints in Manipur's prolonged ethnic conflict.
Arms and Ammunition Recovered
The weapons haul from the arrested individuals included one AK-47 rifle with a magazine, one INSAS rifle with four magazines, one 9 mm pistol with a magazine, 67 live rounds of ammunition of varying calibres, two hand grenades, and one camouflage bulletproof vest. Several mobile phones, an Aadhaar card, and a two-wheeler were also seized from their possession, according to officials.
Drug Seizure on NH-102
In a separate operation, Manipur Police arrested a drug peddler identified as Tholung Koshel Lamkang (34) from Pallel Chandel Lamkhai along National Highway-102. Police recovered 189.05 kg of opium seeds along with a car from his possession. Further investigation is underway, officials said. The seizure highlights Manipur's persistent challenge with narcotics trafficking alongside militancy.
Statewide Security Posture
Officials confirmed that intelligence-based combing, cordon-and-search operations are being conducted extensively across districts to target individuals involved in kidnapping, extortion, and other unlawful activities. A total of 114 nakas (checkpoints) have been deployed across valley and hill districts to intercept illegal elements and suspicious vehicles.
Central and state security forces are also conducting joint area domination exercises in fringe, mixed-population, and vulnerable zones. Escorts are being provided to trucks carrying foodgrains and essential commodities along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37), with convoy protection measures in place on sensitive stretches.
Police Warning on Misinformation
Manipur Police separately urged residents not to engage with rumours or unverified videos circulating on social media. 'The authenticity of any circulated videos or audio clips can be verified through the Central Control Room. Uploading or sharing fake posts on social media will invite legal action,' a police statement warned. This comes amid a pattern of misinformation that has repeatedly inflamed tensions in the state since the ethnic conflict erupted in May 2023.
Point of View
The state's security apparatus is still operating on a war footing rather than a post-conflict stabilisation footing. What mainstream coverage underplays is the strain this sustained operational tempo places on both Central and state forces — and the absence of any visible political resolution that would reduce the underlying demand for armed group recruitment.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which militant groups were the arrested individuals linked to in Manipur?
The five arrested militants belonged to the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) and the Manipur Revolutionary Army (MRA), both of which are banned organisations. They were apprehended from Churachandpur and Imphal East districts during separate operations on 24 May 2025.
What weapons were recovered during the Manipur security operations?
Security forces recovered one AK-47 rifle with a magazine, one INSAS rifle with four magazines, one 9 mm pistol with a magazine, 67 live rounds of various calibres, two hand grenades, and one camouflage bulletproof vest from the arrested militants.
What was seized in the drug-related arrest on NH-102?
Police arrested Tholung Koshel Lamkang (34) near Pallel Chandel Lamkhai on National Highway-102 and seized 189.05 kg of opium seeds along with a car. Further investigation into the case is ongoing.
How many checkpoints are currently active in Manipur?
A total of 114 nakas (checkpoints) have been set up across both valley and hill districts of Manipur to prevent the movement of illegal elements and suspicious vehicles, according to officials.
Why is Manipur Police warning the public about social media?
Manipur Police cautioned residents against believing or sharing unverified videos and audio clips circulating on social media, warning that doing so could invite legal action. The Central Control Room has been designated for verifying the authenticity of such content.
