Security forces on Friday, 25 September 2026 safely destroyed three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in a joint operation in Manipur's Ukhrul district, while separately arresting four hardcore militants belonging to banned outfits across three districts of the state. The Army confirmed both operations, noting that arms and ammunition — including foreign-made weapons — were recovered from the detained individuals.

How the IED Operation Unfolded

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, troops of the Spear Corps, in coordination with the Assam Rifles and Manipur Police, detected the three IEDs in Ukhrul district. According to the Army, the explosives had been laid with complex initiation mechanisms and posed a direct threat to civilian life and property.

Security forces completely sanitised the area before carrying out a controlled in-situ demolition of all three devices, neutralising the threat without casualties. The Army described the outcome as reflecting the 'vigilance and operational readiness' of the joint forces and the coordination among its three constituent agencies.

Four Militants Arrested Across Three Districts

In separate operations, Manipur Police arrested four militants from Imphal West, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts. The arrested individuals belong to the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and its political wing, the Revolutionary People's Front (RPF), as well as the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) — all proscribed organisations.

The four detained militants have been identified as Phandom Dinesh Singh (38), also known as Thembung or Wangba; Aheibam Silan Meitei (34); Okram Gobin Meitei (25); and Sanjenbam Abung Singh alias Krishna (49).

Recovered items include two Chinese hand grenades along with a detonator, one GLOCK 19 pistol loaded with a magazine carrying five rounds, and one two-wheeler.

Broader Security Crackdown Across Manipur

The twin operations form part of an ongoing security offensive across Manipur. Central and state security units have intensified search operations and area domination drives in fringe, mixed-populated, and vulnerable areas across multiple districts.

A total of 116 nakas (checkpoints) have been established across both valley and hill districts to curb the movement of militant elements and suspicious vehicles. Security forces are also providing convoy escorts along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37), ensuring safe passage for trucks carrying essential commodities through sensitive stretches.

Context: Continued Instability in Manipur

This comes amid the prolonged ethnic conflict and security challenges that have gripped Manipur since mid-2023. The state has witnessed repeated incidents of IED plantings, militant ambushes, and inter-community violence. Operations of this scale — combining the Army, Assam Rifles, and state police — have become a standard response framework as the Centre seeks to stabilise the situation. Notably, the recovery of Chinese-made grenades and a foreign-brand pistol raises concerns about the external sourcing of weaponry by proscribed groups operating in the region.