Security forces in Manipur have intensified counter-insurgency operations across the state, leading to the arrest of multiple active cadres belonging to banned militant outfits and the seizure of narcotics and cash. The operations, conducted over the past two days, are part of a sustained effort to secure vulnerable areas and ensure the uninterrupted movement of essential supplies along national highways. On August 23, personnel arrested three insurgent cadres from different districts. Among them was Oinam Bungobi Meitei, alias Langmei (31), a self-styled private of the Revolutionary People’s Front/People’s Liberation Army (RPF/PLA), nabbed at Chingarel Tejpur, Waiton Lamkhai in Imphal East. An Aadhaar card was recovered from his possession. The same day, an active cadre of the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK-PRO), identified as Khundongbam Biker, alias Khaiba/Pari (23) of Heirok Part-II, Thoubal district, was arrested at Angtha village in Imphal East. In a parallel operation, another member of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP-Nongdrenkhomba), Pukhrambam Tangba Singh (34) of Ningthoukhong Mayai Leikai, Bishnupur district, was apprehended from his residence.
On August 22, security forces captured Leimapokpam Shanjeet Singh, alias Naobi (52) of Khurai Thangjam Leikai, Imphal East, an active cadre of KCP (MFL) known for involvement in extortion. From his possession, a mobile handset, a demand letter of the group, and an Aadhaar card were seized. In addition to insurgent arrests, Manipur Police carried out an anti-narcotics operation on August 22 at Songsibok Thingkangphai village, Churachandpur district. The raid led to the recovery of 236 grams of brown sugar packed in 20 soap cases, excluding packaging weight, along with ₹3.87 lakh in cash. The occupant of the house was identified as Chinsiathang (52) of Tangpijol village, Singngat subdivision. Police sources said the contraband was intended for illegal circulation in both local and cross-border markets.Authorities have also stepped up security checks across both hill and valley districts. According to officials, 113 checkpoints have been established across the state to monitor movement and prevent insurgent activities. While no detentions were made during these routine checks, the vigilance has been maintained to deter potential threats.
Meanwhile, the safe passage of essential supplies continues to be a top priority. On Saturday, 130 vehicles carrying essential goods were escorted under security convoy along NH-37, a lifeline route connecting the state. Officials stated that strict area domination and search operations in fringe and vulnerable locations are being conducted to prevent insurgent ambushes and ensure stability. Manipur has witnessed an upsurge in insurgent-related activities in recent months, coinciding with ethnic tensions and unrest across several districts. Security officials say the recent operations signal a renewed push to neutralize militant networks that exploit the prevailing instability. With cadres from groups like RPF/PLA, PREPAK, and KCP continuing to be active, authorities have maintained that coordinated surveillance, arrests, and community engagement are essential to restoring peace in the troubled state.
