In a major breakthrough for law enforcement in Manipur, state police and central security forces arrested eight insurgents belonging to various banned outfits in a coordinated series of operations carried out across multiple districts on May 14 and 15. The operations resulted in the seizure of a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and other war-like stores, prompting further investigation into the activities and affiliations of the detained individuals. The most high-profile arrest was made in Heirok area of Thoubal district on May 15, where a joint team apprehended 39-year-old Laishram Nanao Singh, an active cadre of the proscribed People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK-Pro). Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the team raided a location near a brick field and recovered a sizeable quantity of arms, including a .303 rifle, four modified single bore action rifles, and 54 live rounds of .303 ammunition. A hand grenade was also recovered from his possession, raising concerns over possible planned attacks. In addition to the weapons, the security personnel found military-grade equipment such as bulletproof jackets, bulletproof plates, camouflage fatigues, and empty magazines used in automatic rifles. A four-wheeler vehicle and a mobile phone, suspected to have been used for communication with underground networks, were also seized during the operation.
In a parallel crackdown, two suspected insurgents affiliated with the United National Liberation Front (Koireng faction) were apprehended from Imphal East district. Identified as Loushigam Loveboy Singh and Laishram Diamond Singh, the duo were found in possession of a .32 pistol along with live ammunition. Authorities believe the two were operating as foot soldiers and possibly involved in extortion or reconnaissance activities in the valley areas. Further arrests followed in isolated operations across Thoubal and Imphal districts. Among those detained was 53-year-old Khundrakpam Brojen Singh, a known operative of the Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group). He was reportedly engaged in extortion activities, with a focus on educational institutions—a troubling trend that has seen schools and colleges in the valley come under threat from underground groups. On the preceding day, May 14, two active members of the United People’s Party of Kangleipak (UPPK) were taken into custody from Koirengei Bazar area. Preliminary investigation suggests the duo were extorting money from local shopkeepers and traders in Imphal. Police recovered incriminating evidence from them and have not ruled out links to other criminal activities.
The arrest of eight individuals from four different militant outfits within a span of two days has sent a strong message to insurgent groups operating in Manipur. Officials said the seized weapons and equipment will be sent for forensic examination to trace their origin, and mobile devices are being scanned for digital footprints of wider insurgent networks.“These arrests are the result of careful intelligence gathering and timely action. We are committed to rooting out the menace of militancy from Manipur,” said a senior police official involved in the operations. Authorities added that further arrests could follow as the investigation progresses.
