Six militants arrested in Manipur, arms cache including AK-47, IEDs seized
Synopsis
Six militants from three armed groups — UKNA, KCP, and PREPAK — have been arrested across Manipur, with a sweeping arms haul including four IEDs, an AK-47, and grenades recovered from forest areas. The operation signals an intensified counter-insurgency push even as fake news warnings point to the fragile information environment still gripping the conflict-hit state.
Key Takeaways
Six militants arrested across Churachandpur , Imphal West , and Imphal East on 7 May 2025 .
Detainees include self-styled UKNA lieutenant Seimenial Haokip (22) and KCP cadre Salam Ongbi Konjengbam Karuna Devi (51) , alias Pipik.
Arms haul includes one AK-47 , one Glock pistol , four IEDs , two hand grenades, and 26 rounds of ammunition. ₹6.81 lakh in cash recovered from the arrested woman cadre.
114 nakas deployed across Manipur; security escorts active on NH-37 .
Manipur Police warn public against sharing fake social media content, citing legal consequences.
Security forces in Manipur have arrested six militants — including a top extremist leader and a woman cadre — and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition across multiple districts, officials said on Thursday, 7 May. The operation marks a significant counter-insurgency breakthrough in a state that has remained on edge amid prolonged ethnic tensions.
Key Arrests and Who Was Nabbed
Among those detained is Seimenial Haokip (22), a self-styled lieutenant of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA), who was arrested from districts including Churachandpur, Imphal West, and Imphal East. The five remaining militants — including the woman cadre — are affiliated with the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and the People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK).
The arrested woman, identified as Salam Ongbi Konjengbam Karuna Devi (51), alias Pipik, is described as an active cadre of the KCP. She was apprehended from her residence in Imphal West district. Authorities recovered ₹6.81 lakh in cash, a mobile phone, and an Aadhaar card from her possession.
Arms Cache Recovered
Acting on disclosures made by the arrested UKNA lieutenant, security forces conducted search operations in forest areas of SKholen and Ukha Loikhai, unearthing a significant weapons haul. The recovered items include:
- One 7.62 mm AK-47 rifle and one AK magazine
- One Glock .32 ACP pistol and one 9 mm pistol magazine
- 26 rounds of ammunition of different calibres
- Two hand grenades
- Four improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
- One radio set, one smartphone, and a Maruti Gypsy vehicle
The recovery of IEDs is particularly notable, as such devices have been used in targeted attacks across Manipur's volatile hill and valley districts in recent months.
Security Measures Across the State
Authorities have intensified intelligence-based combing, cordon, and search operations across multiple districts to apprehend individuals involved in extortion and other criminal activities. A total of 114 nakas (checkpoints) have been established across both valley and hill districts to curb the movement of illegal elements and suspicious vehicles.
Security personnel are also providing escorts to vehicles — including trucks transporting essential commodities — along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37). Strict convoy protection measures remain in place on sensitive stretches to ensure safe passage.
Police Warning on Fake News
Manipur Police have separately urged the public to exercise caution regarding rumours and fake videos circulating on social media.
Point of View
KCP, and PREPAK — a reminder that Manipur's insurgency landscape is not monolithic but a layered web of ethnic and ideological factions. The recovery of four IEDs from forest hideouts is the detail that deserves closer attention: it suggests active operational capability, not just organisational presence. That 114 checkpoints are now required to manage movement across a single state underscores how far normalcy remains. The simultaneous warning against fake social media content signals that the information war is as live as the ground one.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the militants arrested in Manipur on 7 May 2025?
Six militants were arrested, including Seimenial Haokip (22), a self-styled lieutenant of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA), and Salam Ongbi Konjengbam Karuna Devi (51), alias Pipik, an active cadre of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP). The remaining four belong to the KCP and the People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK).
What arms were recovered in the Manipur operation?
Security forces recovered a 7.62 mm AK-47 rifle, a Glock .32 ACP pistol, four IEDs, two hand grenades, 26 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, an AK magazine, a 9 mm pistol magazine, a radio set, a smartphone, and a Maruti Gypsy vehicle from forest areas in SKholen and Ukha Loikhai.
What is the UKNA and why is the arrest significant?
The United Kuki National Army (UKNA) is one of several militant groups operating in Manipur's hill districts. The arrest of a self-styled lieutenant is significant because it led directly to the discovery of a major arms cache, including IEDs, indicating active operational planning.
What security measures are currently in place in Manipur?
Authorities have deployed 114 nakas (checkpoints) across valley and hill districts, are conducting intelligence-based combing and search operations, and are providing security escorts for vehicles on the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37).
Why is Manipur Police warning against fake social media posts?
Manipur Police have warned that fake videos and audio clips circulating on social media can inflame tensions in the already volatile state. They advise the public to verify information through the Central Control Room and have warned that sharing fake posts will invite legal action.
