Who were the two PLA militants arrested for the Manipur ambush?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a significant development, two militants from the People's Liberation Army involved in a deadly ambush in Manipur have been apprehended. This incident, which led to the loss of two Assam Rifles personnel, has reignited concerns over security and ongoing ethnic violence in the region. Discover the latest updates surrounding this critical situation.
Key Takeaways
- Two PLA militants were arrested in connection with a September 19 ambush in Manipur.
- The ambush resulted in the deaths of two Assam Rifles personnel.
- Search operations are ongoing to find additional suspects.
- Ethnic violence in Manipur has led to over 260 deaths and displaced more than 70,000 people.
- President's rule was imposed in Manipur following ongoing violence.
Imphal, Sep 27 (NationPress) - Authorities have apprehended two key members of the banned militant group People's Liberation Army (PLA), linked to the ambush on September 19 that resulted in the deaths of two personnel from the Assam Rifles and injuries to five others in Manipur's Bishnupur district.
A police representative confirmed that the two PLA members involved in the ambush on the Assam Rifles at Nambol Sabal Leikai were taken into custody on Friday night in the Imphal West District. The individuals were identified as Thongram Sadananda Singh alias Ngachik alias Purakpa (18) and self-styled Lt Corpl Chongtham Mahesh alias Momo alias Amo Singh (51).
According to police officials, self-styled Lt Corpl Chongtham Mahesh is a senior member of the PLA, having been affiliated with the group since 1990. His arrest in Guwahati was made possible with support from the Crime Branch Police Station of Assam.
Previously, on September 24, security forces captured the main suspect in the ambush, Khomdram Ojit Singh alias Keilal, 47, from the Kameng area in Imphal West. He is also linked to the extremist group PLA.
Search operations are ongoing across various locations in the Imphal valley to find additional accomplices of Khomdram Ojit Singh involved in the September 19 ambush. Defence spokesperson Lt Col Amit Shukla stated that an Assam Rifles team was targeted while returning from flood relief duties along the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway-2. The ambush led to the deaths of Naib-Subedar Shyam Gurung, 59, and Rifleman Ranjit Singh Kashyap, 36.
Gurung hailed from Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills district, while Kashyap was from Chhattisgarh's Bastar district.
In separate operations, security forces arrested four additional militants linked to three extremist groups – PLA, Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), and Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) within the past 24 hours. The arrests took place in Bishnupur, Imphal East, and Imphal West.
The arrested PLA member was involved in monitoring and disseminating information regarding the movements of security personnel in Bishnupur district. Authorities seized a mobile phone and a SIM card from him. The KYKL and KCP members were reportedly engaged in extortion activities linked to government contracts in institutions like Manipur University, the Industrial Department, and schools.
Both central and local security forces have intensified search operations across Manipur, particularly in the Imphal valley and hilly regions, following the outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3, 2024, which has claimed the lives of over 260 individuals and left more than 70,000 displaced amid conflicts between the majority Meiteis and the tribal Kuki-Zo communities.
In light of the ongoing violence, the Centre instituted President's rule in Manipur on February 13, just four days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned. The 60-member state Assembly, which was scheduled to serve until 2027, is currently under a state of suspended animation.
Point of View
It is crucial to address the ongoing violence in Manipur with neutrality and empathy. The apprehension of PLA militants is a step toward restoring security, yet it highlights the urgent need for dialogue and resolution to prevent further loss of life and displacement in the region. The nation must support efforts to promote peace and stability in Manipur, ensuring safety for all its residents.
NationPress
27/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the arrest of the PLA militants?
The arrests followed an ambush on September 19 that resulted in the deaths of two Assam Rifles personnel, prompting a focused investigation by security forces.
What is the People's Liberation Army?
The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is a banned militant outfit operating in Manipur, known for its involvement in insurgent activities against security forces.
How many militants were arrested in total?
In addition to the two PLA militants, four more individuals linked to three extremist outfits were apprehended during recent operations.
What actions are being taken to enhance security in Manipur?
Security forces are conducting extensive search operations to apprehend additional suspects connected to the ambush and address the ongoing ethnic violence.
What is the current situation in Manipur?
The region is experiencing heightened tensions due to ethnic violence, with significant casualties and displacement reported since May 2024.
