A week-long intelligence-driven crackdown in Manipur led to the arrest of 11 insurgents and the seizure of weapons, explosives, IEDs, and contraband across several districts, marking a major security breakthrough by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and Manipur Police.
Security forces in Manipur have intensified counter-insurgency operations across the state, arresting 11 insurgent cadres and seizing a substantial cache of arms, ammunition, explosives, and contraband during a series of meticulously planned, intelligence-driven operations conducted between November 23 and 28. According to official sources, the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and Manipur Police carried out synchronized actions in multiple districts, leading to significant breakthroughs in ongoing security efforts.
Between November 23 and 28, joint formations of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles under Spear Corps, operating alongside Manipur Police, conducted targeted search and apprehension operations in Canchipur, Saikul, Thoubal, Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal, Imphal East, and Imphal West. The coordinated action, officials said, aimed at neutralizing insurgent networks operating in both the hill and valley regions.
Breakthrough Arrests Across Districts
The series of operations began on November 23 when a joint team of Assam Rifles and Imphal West Police Commandos apprehended an active cadre of Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) — KCP (PWG) — from Canchipur in Imphal West. The arrest provided actionable intelligence that enabled further operations.
On November 25, security forces achieved a major success in Kangpokpi district. During an operation in the Shonglung area, Assam Rifles recovered a high-value cache including one Heckler & Koch G3 rifle with magazine, two bolt-action rifles, four pull-mechanism rifles, one improvised mortar, two hand grenades with detonators, two G3 live rounds, and a handheld radio set. Officials described the seizure as a significant blow to insurgent capabilities because several of the weapons were of foreign origin.
The same day, another Assam Rifles team operating in Galbung village in Saikul recovered an extensive stockpile of arms and explosives. The haul included a carbine with magazine, a .303 rifle, six 9mm rounds, a .303 magazine, two .22 pistols with magazines, two single bolt-action rifles, assorted ammunition, explosives, two Baofeng radio sets, four Pompey devices, three PEK explosives, cordex, and detonators. The variety and quantity of weapons indicated active attempts by insurgent groups to replenish their operational stores.
Multiple Insurgent Cadres Apprehended
On November 26, a joint team of Assam Rifles and Imphal East Police Commandos apprehended a KYKL (SOREPA) cadre from Porompat Soibam Leikai in Imphal East. Later the same day, Assam Rifles and Nambol Police arrested a UNLF (Koireng group) operative in Heigrujam, Imphal West. A 9mm pistol and 12 live rounds were recovered from the individual.
In another major preemptive operation, Assam Rifles and Imphal West Police Commandos arrested three KCP (MFL) cadres operating across Imphal East, Imphal West, and Thoubal. Officials said the operation successfully foiled a planned threat targeting the Sangai Festival, Manipur’s premier tourism event. All detained individuals were handed over to the concerned authorities for legal proceedings.
Grenades, IEDs, and Contraband Seized
On November 27, another insurgent suspect was apprehended from Kontha Ahallup in Imphal East by a joint team. The operation resulted in the recovery of two No. 36 hand grenades, one arming ring, and a mobile handset believed to be used for communication within insurgent networks. The same day, a KCP (PWG) cadre involved in recruiting local valley youths was arrested from Luker Mayai Leikai, Imphal West.
Assam Rifles and Thoubal Police Commandos also arrested an active cadre of PREPAK (Progressive) from Khangabok in Thoubal district. He was accused of coordinating movement of explosives and material support to valley-based groups.
Foreign Liquor and Five IEDs Recovered
On November 28, security forces intercepted two vehicles during routine MVCP checks at Yangoubung in Tengnoupal district. A large consignment of foreign-origin liquor and cigarettes worth ₹80 lakh was seized, and two individuals were apprehended.
In a separate major find, Assam Rifles unearthed five live improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from an underground bunker in a forested zone of Tengnoupal. The explosives were safely neutralised by bomb experts. Officials noted that the discovery pointed to a possible plan to target security convoys or civilian clusters.
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Authorities confirmed that all detained individuals and seized items have been handed over to relevant agencies for further investigation and legal action. The multi-district crackdown, they said, reflects intensified efforts to dismantle insurgent infrastructure and restore stability.
