Security forces in Manipur arrested six persons — including three militants and two drug peddlers — and recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition, explosives, and narcotics during a series of coordinated operations across multiple districts of the state, officials said on Saturday, 13 June. The crackdown spanned Kakching, Imphal West, Imphal East, and Thoubal districts.

Militants Arrested, Arms Recovered

Three militants belonging to the banned People's Liberation Army (PLA) were apprehended during separate operations in Kakching and Imphal West districts. Security personnel recovered arms, ammunition, and other incriminating materials from their possession.

The seized items included one 9 mm pistol with an empty magazine, 18 live rounds of ammunition of different calibres, one 12-bore cartridge, four detonators, two remote-control devices suspected to be used for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), along with PLA flags and banners.

Major Cache Unearthed in Thoubal

In a separate significant operation, security forces — including personnel of the Assam Rifles — recovered a substantial cache of arms, ammunition, and combat-related stores from the Mayai Leikai area under Heirok Police Station in Thoubal district.

The haul comprised one USA-made .32 pistol with magazine, two single-barrel breech-loading (SBBL) guns, 71 live rounds of ammunition of varying calibres, two tear smoke shells, 12 stickers bearing the logo of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), 14 bulletproof plates, one bulletproof jacket, 60 combat shirts, 57 combat trousers, two combat jackets, 18 combat caps, eight pairs of combat shoes, 23 combat belts, and one MP-5 sling. All recovered items have been handed over to Heirok Police Station for investigation and legal proceedings.

Drug Peddlers Nabbed, Narcotics Seized

Parallel anti-narcotics operations led to the arrest of two alleged drug peddlers from Imphal West and Thoubal districts. Substantial quantities of methamphetamine tablets and heroin were seized. The arrested individuals were identified as Md. Farish Khan (28), a resident of Thoubal district, and Dil Bahadur Chetry (41), a resident of Tinsukia district in neighbouring Assam.

A third person, Md. Eliyash Khan alias Apik alias Rocky (36), was separately arrested from Imphal East district.

DGP Reviews Law-and-Order Situation

Director General of Police (DGP), Manipur, Mukesh Singh visited the Imphal East District Police Headquarters and reviewed the prevailing law-and-order situation, crime trends, and operational preparedness. During the review, Singh stressed the importance of quality investigations, effective supervision by senior officers, and expediting disposal of key criminal cases.

The DGP also underscored the need for proactive policing, intensified anti-insurgency operations, and firm action against anti-social elements. He called for maintaining discipline, integrity, and professionalism within the force while operating under challenging circumstances.

Security Grid Across Manipur

Security forces from central and state agencies have continued extensive search and area-domination exercises across fringe, mixed-population, and other vulnerable zones. A total of 116 nakas and checkpoints have been established across Manipur's valley and hill districts to prevent militant movement and intercept suspicious vehicles.

Forces are also providing convoy escorts along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37), a critical supply artery for the state, with strict protection measures on sensitive stretches. The Manipur Police have separately appealed to the public to disregard rumours and exercise caution regarding fake and misleading videos circulating on social media platforms.