Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, Nov 17: In a sweeping joint operation across multiple districts of Manipur, security forces arrested four high-profile militants and uncovered a substantial stockpile of arms and ammunition within a span of 24 hours, officials announced on Monday.
Among those apprehended is Koijam Ibochouba, also known as Inao or Sumo (45), a notorious insurgent leader. Police confirmed that Ibochouba served as a self-styled ‘Major’ of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and its political wing, the Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF). He has long been sought for his alleged role in the 2017 attack on Assam Rifles personnel at Sajik Tampak in Chandel district.
The 2017 ambush, carried out through a powerful improvised explosive device at Maha Mani village, resulted in the deaths of two Assam Rifles troopers and injuries to six others. Following Ibochouba’s arrest, his disclosures led security personnel to a buried cache of sophisticated weapons—including US-origin firearms—hidden inside a plastic drum at a farm in Kharungpat village, Kakching district.
In addition to Ibochouba, three more militants linked to the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) were detained in Imphal West. These individuals were reportedly involved in systematic extortion targeting truck drivers along the Jiribam–Imphal route. One of the accused, Khuraijam Shyam Singh alias Mangal (37), was allegedly engaged in widespread extortion in the valley and in illicit dispute-settlement involving crimes against women.
Authorities confirmed that intensified search operations and area-domination exercises are ongoing across mixed-population localities and other vulnerable zones. As part of heightened security measures, 115 checkpoints have been set up throughout both hill and valley districts to intercept illegal movement of insurgents and suspicious vehicles.
To ensure safe transportation of essential goods, security forces are providing armed escorts for trucks along the Imphal–Jiribam National Highway (NH-37), with convoys deployed in high-risk stretches.
Manipur Police have urged the public to remain alert to misinformation circulating online. The force advised citizens to verify any questionable audio or video content with the Central Control Room and warned that spreading fake posts on social media will invite strict legal action.