Security forces in Manipur arrested six militants from two banned insurgent outfits and four drug smugglers carrying 239 kg of contraband ganja within a 24-hour window, officials confirmed on Monday, 6 July. The simultaneous operations across Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts underscore the continuing dual threat of insurgency and narcotics trafficking in the conflict-affected state.

Militants Arrested and Charges

A senior police official confirmed that the six arrested individuals belong to the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) — both banned insurgent organisations. They were apprehended from separate locations within Imphal East district.

According to the official, the accused were allegedly involved in forcibly extorting money from contractors, government employees, traders, and ordinary civilians — a pattern that has long plagued businesses and public servants operating in insurgency-affected pockets of the state.

Drug Haul in Imphal East

In a separate but concurrent operation, security forces picked up four individuals from multiple locations in Imphal East district and recovered 239 kg of contraband ganja from their possession. Manipur sits along one of South Asia's most active drug-trafficking corridors, with narcotics frequently transiting through the state from Myanmar into the Indian mainland.

Arms Cache Recovered Near India-Myanmar Border

Search operations in Kangpokpi district, along the India-Myanmar border, yielded a significant cache of weapons and ammunition. The recovered items include one 5.56 mm INSAS rifle with a magazine and 24 locally made Single Barrel Breech Loading (SBBL) guns, along with a large quantity of ammunition. The recovery of an INSAS rifle — a standard Indian Army and paramilitary weapon — raises questions about the source of the weapon.

Security Posture Across the State

Central and state security forces have maintained an intensive operational tempo across Manipur, conducting regular search operations and area domination exercises in fringe, mixed-population, and other vulnerable zones. As of the latest update, 114 nakas and checkpoints have been established across valley and hill districts to monitor movement and intercept contraband.

Security escorts continue to be deployed along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37), a critical supply artery, ensuring uninterrupted movement of trucks carrying essential commodities through vulnerable stretches.

Police Advisory on Misinformation

The Manipur Police separately issued a public advisory urging citizens to disregard rumours and avoid sharing unverified content circulating on social media platforms. Authorities have appealed to residents to rely solely on official channels for information, citing the risk of fake videos and misleading content destabilising public order during a sensitive security period.