Security forces in Manipur arrested five militants from multiple banned outfits across three districts within 24 hours on 28 August, officials said, even as Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh condemned a bomb blast at the residence of a sitting Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator in Imphal West.

Militants Arrested Across Three Districts

A coordinated operation by the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, and other central forces led to the arrest of five militants in Imphal West, Imphal East, and Kakching districts. The arrested individuals belong to four banned organisations: the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and its political wing the Revolutionary People's Front (RPF), the United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK), and the United National Liberation Front (UNLF).

According to police, the detainees were reportedly involved in attacks on civilians, kidnapping, forcible collection of so-called 'subscriptions', and recruiting youths into proscribed groups.

Bomb Blast at BJP MLA's Residence

Earlier on Friday morning, a bomb exploded in the backyard of the residence of former minister and sitting BJP legislator Sapam Ranjan Singh at Konthoujam Mayai Leikai in Imphal West district. According to the MLA, he was present at the house when the blast occurred. The explosion left a small crater in the ground and caused minor damage to the compound walls. No casualties were reported.

Chief Minister Singh visited the legislator's residence shortly after the incident. In a post on social media, he strongly condemned the attack. 'I strongly condemn such a senseless and barbaric attack on the residence of a people's representative. This act of violence is an attack on our democracy, and the perpetrators will be brought to justice soon,' he said.

Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the blast.

Intensified Security Across the State

The incidents come amid a broader security clampdown across Manipur. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the Manipur Police have been conducting extensive counter-insurgency operations, including search operations and area-domination exercises, in fringe, mixed-population, and vulnerable zones across the state.

As part of these measures, 111 nakas and checkpoints have been established across valley and hill districts to monitor the movement of militants, anti-social elements, and suspicious vehicles.

Highway Security and Convoy Protection

Security forces are also providing armed escorts to trucks and other vehicles carrying essential commodities along the strategically critical Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37). Strict convoy protection arrangements remain in place along vulnerable stretches to ensure uninterrupted movement of passenger and goods vehicles, officials said.

With multiple armed outfits active and a sitting legislator's home targeted, the security situation in Manipur continues to demand sustained operational pressure from central and state forces alike.