Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, Oct 4: In a major security operation, 12 militants belonging to various banned outfits—including five from the United Kuki National Army (UKNA)—have been arrested across multiple districts of Manipur within the last 24 hours, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The arrests were carried out by joint security forces, including the Assam Rifles, as part of intensified counter-insurgency efforts in the conflict-prone state.
Five UKNA Cadres Held in Churachandpur
A police official stated that five active and “dreaded” cadres of the outlawed UKNA, a Kuki extremist group operating primarily in Manipur's hill districts, were apprehended from Songkot village in Churachandpur district.
Those arrested have been identified as:
• Paolenlal Kipgen (30)
• Kamgoulen (23)
• Lhunkholen Singson (26)
• Khaiginpau (37)
• Thangzasuan (14)
A substantial cache of weapons and supplies was seized from the group, including:
• One M79 grenade launcher with three bombs
• Two 9mm pistols with five rounds
• Eight radio sets with chargers
• Eight pairs of jungle shoes
• 3 kg of opium seeds
• Three mobile phones
CKMA Commander Arrested with Weapons and Cash
Just two days earlier, on October 2, forces captured Paokholen Guite, the self-styled Commander-in-Chief of the Chin Kuki Mizo Army (CKMA), another banned Kuki militant outfit, also from Churachandpur.
Authorities said Guite was a key figure in arms and narcotics trafficking across the Indo-Myanmar border and was actively involved in extortion.
Items recovered from his possession include:
• Two AK-47 rifles with magazines
• 31 AK-47 rounds
• 150 rounds of 7.62mm SLR and LMG ammunition
• Rs 1 lakh in cash
• A bullet-proof pouch, car, and two mobile phones
Additional Arrests Across the Valley
In further operations across Imphal West and Thoubal districts, seven more militants from the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and People's Liberation Army (PLA) were arrested.
Among them was:
• Nongmaithem Sidananda Singh alias Nanao alias Lenin (38) – a self-styled Corporal of the PLA
These individuals were reportedly involved in:
• Kidnapping and extortion
• Mediation through intimidation
• Crimes against women
Civilian Rescued, Security Tightened
Security forces also rescued Soyam Sanayamba Thomas (35) from Thamnapokpi village after he inadvertently entered Twinomjang village in Kangpokpi district. He has been safely reunited with his family.
Highway Secured, Nakas Increased
Meanwhile, movement along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37) has been secured. A total of 346 vehicles carrying essential items moved along the route without incident.
To maintain law and order:
• 114 checkpoints (nakas) have been established across both hill and valley districts
• Security patrols and area domination operations continue in fringe and vulnerable areas
Officials reaffirmed that strict security protocols and convoys are being provided along sensitive highway stretches to ensure uninterrupted movement of essential goods and public safety.
This coordinated crackdown highlights the intensified effort by security agencies to root out militancy, narcotics trafficking, and extortion activities in Manipur, which continues to face complex ethnic and insurgent challenges.