In a major boost to counter-insurgency operations, Manipur Police arrested two active militants and an arms smuggler during coordinated raids across three districts on September 24. The crackdown led to the recovery of weapons, explosives, and critical bomb-making components, underscoring the persistent threat of militancy and arms trafficking in the state. The most significant arrest was that of 48-year-old arms smuggler Kangjam Rakesh Singh, a resident of Brahmapur Bamon Leikai in Imphal East. He was apprehended at Moirangkhom Old Thumbuthong Makhong, where police recovered a loaded 9mm pistol along with live ammunition. Officials described his arrest as a key step in dismantling arms supply chains that have been fueling insurgent activities in the region.
In a separate operation, police detained Naorem Abinash Singh, a 19-year-old cadre of the banned militant group PREPAK, near BT Park in Imphal West. Investigators revealed that Abinash had recently extorted ₹5,000 from a local resident in Kakching, indicating his active involvement in extortion and intimidation on behalf of the insurgent outfit. Meanwhile, Salam Kipjen Singh, 45, an operative of the RPF/PLA, was captured in Bishnupur’s Tronglaobi area. Security forces seized his motorcycle and communication devices, which are expected to provide valuable leads on the group’s operational network.
Adding to the gravity of the operation, security forces discovered a cache of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components in Kaibung, Kakching district. The recovered items included 470 grams of TNT explosive, an electric detonator, metal containers, splinters, and several kilograms of bomb-making equipment. Police officials said the seizure clearly indicated ongoing attempts by militant outfits to plan and execute attacks. All three suspects were also found in possession of mobile phones, SIM cards, and other electronic equipment, which are being examined for intelligence on larger networks of militant groups operating in Manipur and neighboring states.
