Manipur Police have intensified operations across the state over the past few days, leading to several key arrests of insurgents, arms traffickers, and vehicle thieves. Security forces have adopted intelligence-led strategies to target underground networks and criminal groups, with special emphasis on Imphal West, Imphal East, and Thoubal districts.On August 5, an active member of the banned Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) group, Sagolsem Hemanta Singh (41), was arrested from his residence in Phumlou Keiroi Maning Leikai, Imphal West. Police sources confirmed that Singh was actively recruiting new members into the proscribed outfit. A mobile phone used in his communication network was seized during the raid.In a separate operation the same day, another insurgent, Naobi Leishangthem (33), alias Youhenba, belonging to the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP – Military & Foreign Liaison), was apprehended from a rented house in Lamphel Yaipha Leikai, under Lamphel Police Station. Leishangthem was reportedly involved in extortion activities and illegal mediation in criminal cases, including those involving crimes against women. Police recovered a mobile phone and Aadhaar card from his possession.
On August 4, two suspected arms smugglers were taken into custody from different locations in Imphal East. Ningombam Abung Meitei (50) of Huidrom Awang Leikai was arrested at Pourabi Hidumbi, while Ningthoujam Konungjao Meetei (33) of Keibi Khulen Makha Leikai was detained from his home. The security team seized a 9mm pistol along with a magazine and two live rounds of ammunition, a Vespa scooter, two mobile phones, and an Aadhaar card.The crackdown extended to motor vehicle offences as well. On August 5, Manipur Police issued 63 challans and collected fines totaling ₹99,500 for various traffic rule violations. The previous day, tinted films were removed from nine vehicles, and one vehicle was impounded for non-compliance with regulations.Meanwhile, vehicle theft investigations also saw progress. On August 4, two individuals suspected of stealing a Royal Enfield Interceptor motorcycle were arrested from Lilong Dam near Anjuman Office in Thoubal district. The accused — Md. Mufasin (20) of Lilong Makha Leikai and Md. Aman (20) of Lilong Lou Tara — were traced following an FIR linked to a recent theft from Lilong Kaleikhong. The stolen bike was successfully recovered during the operation.
Police have confirmed that state-wide cordon-and-search operations are being intensified, with a focus on uprooting extortion rackets, illegal arms circulation, and vehicle theft syndicates. “These operations are based on solid intelligence inputs and are part of our ongoing efforts to restore law and order across Manipur,” a senior police officer stated.
