Daijiworld Media Network - Imphal
Imphal, Dec 16: Intensified joint operations by central and state security forces across Manipur over the past 24 hours have resulted in the arrest of five militants linked to two banned insurgent groups, along with the recovery of arms, ammunition and narcotics, officials said on Tuesday.
According to a Manipur Police spokesperson, the arrested individuals are members of the outlawed People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) and the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP). They were apprehended from multiple locations across Bishnupur, Imphal West and Imphal East districts. Several mobile phones and other incriminating materials were seized during the arrests.
Police said the militants were actively involved in extortion activities, forcibly collecting money from contractors, government employees, traders and members of the public.
In a separate operation, security personnel arrested a drug trafficker, identified as 53-year-old Suimi Awungshi of Kamjong district, from Imphal East. One kilogram of brown sugar, valued at approximately Rs 20 lakh, was recovered from his possession.
As part of intelligence-driven efforts to curb militancy and organised crime, security forces have stepped up combing, cordon and search operations across both the Imphal valley and hill districts. These operations have also led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons from Thoubal and Imphal East districts.
The seized arms include an SMG carbine, a .303 rifle, two modified .303 rifles, five pistols, six SBBL guns of various types, three 12-bore guns and two 36HE hand grenades, along with large quantities of ammunition.
Authorities said coordinated crackdowns are continuing, with extensive area domination and search operations being conducted in fringe areas, mixed-population zones and other vulnerable locations. To strengthen surveillance, 113 nakas and checkpoints have been established across both hill and valley districts to prevent the movement of militants and suspicious vehicles.
Security forces are also escorting vehicles carrying essential supplies along the Imphal–Jiribam National Highway (NH-37), with enhanced convoy protection in sensitive stretches to ensure uninterrupted movement.
Manipur Police have appealed to citizens to remain cautious, avoid spreading or believing rumours and fake videos circulating on social media, and urged individuals in possession of looted arms, ammunition or explosives to surrender them immediately to the nearest police station or security unit.