Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal

Imphal, May 25: Security forces in Manipur have stepped up counter-insurgency operations across the state, leading to the arrest of five militants linked to two banned organisations and the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition over the past 24 hours, officials said on Sunday.

According to police sources, the arrested individuals were associated with the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) and the Manipur Revolutionary Army (MRA). Separate operations carried out in Churachandpur district and Imphal East district resulted in their apprehension.

During the raids, security personnel recovered a significant quantity of weapons and explosives, including an AK-47 rifle with a magazine, an INSAS rifle along with four magazines, a 9 mm pistol, 67 live rounds of ammunition of different calibres, two hand grenades and a camouflage bulletproof vest.

Authorities also seized several mobile phones, an Aadhaar card and a two-wheeler from the possession of the arrested militants.

In a separate anti-drug operation, Manipur Police arrested a suspected drug trafficker, identified as Tholung Koshel Lamkang (34), from Pallel Chandel Lamkhai along National Highway-102. Officials said 189.05 kg of opium seeds and a vehicle were recovered during the operation. Further investigation is currently underway.

Police officials stated that intelligence-based combing operations, cordon-and-search drives and surveillance activities are being intensified across multiple districts to crack down on kidnapping, extortion and other criminal activities.

Joint search operations by Central and state security forces are also continuing in vulnerable, mixed-population and fringe areas across both hill and valley districts to maintain law and order.

To strengthen security and monitor suspicious movement, authorities have established 114 checkpoints, or nakas, across various parts of the state. Security teams are also escorting trucks carrying food supplies and essential commodities along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37) to ensure uninterrupted transportation.

Officials confirmed that strict convoy protection and heightened security measures remain in place in sensitive stretches to guarantee the safe movement of vehicles.

Meanwhile, Manipur Police appealed to the public not to fall for misinformation or fake videos circulating on social media. In an official statement, police warned that sharing or uploading fabricated content online could invite legal action. Citizens were advised to verify suspicious audio or video clips through the Central Control Room before forwarding them.