Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, Dec 9: Security forces in Manipur have intensified their operations, detaining five members of two banned insurgent organisations in Imphal West and seizing a cache of arms, ammunition, and other materials.
According to officials, the arrests were made over the past 24 hours at multiple locations across Imphal West district. The detained individuals, aged between 23 and 41, belong to the proscribed United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and the Socialist Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (SOREPA). Police said the group had been actively involved in extorting money from government staff, contractors, business owners, and local residents.
During the operation, authorities recovered a car, a two-wheeler, fake identification documents, seven mobile phones, various incriminating items, and approximately Rs 4 lakh in cash. With these arrests, security forces have detained a total of 23 militants from seven outlawed groups in the last three days across five districts in the Imphal Valley.
A haul of weapons and ammunition was also seized from Imphal West, including two single-barrel guns, a stun grenade, a smoke grenade, a 36-HE grenade without detonator, an empty SMG magazine, multiple rounds of AK-series, INSAS, SLR, and .303 ammunition, Baofeng radio sets, three helmets, and signal cartridges.
Central and state forces continue to carry out extensive searches and domination exercises in vulnerable and mixed-population zones. To prevent the movement of hostile elements, 113 checkpoints have been established throughout the hill and valley districts.
Security escorts remain active along the Imphal–Jiribam National Highway (NH-37), ensuring the safe transit of trucks carrying vital supplies.
Authorities have urged citizens to avoid spreading or believing in misinformation circulating on social media. Any suspicious audio or video clips should be verified through the Central Control Room, as circulation of fake content may lead to legal consequences.
Police have once again appealed for the immediate return of looted arms and explosives. During the ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, mobs and militants reportedly seized more than 6,000 weapons and large quantities of ammunition from police stations and outposts. Following repeated government appeals, a significant number of these stolen weapons—many of them sophisticated—have since been surrendered.