Security forces in Manipur arrested six militants in separate operations near the Myanmar border and Imphal West, recovering rifles, pistols, grenades and other ammunition. Assam Rifles and Manipur Police jointly conducted the operations to prevent illegal movements and strengthen public safety.
Security forces in Manipur have arrested six militants in separate operations conducted across districts bordering Myanmar and in the Imphal West area, while also recovering a cache of arms, grenades and ammunition, officials said on Tuesday.
The operations were carried out jointly by Assam Rifles and Manipur Police as part of ongoing efforts to maintain peace, prevent illegal movements and strengthen security in vulnerable areas of the state.
According to a defence spokesman, Assam Rifles, in coordination with local police, conducted two separate security operations. The first operation was launched after security personnel received specific information about three individuals who had reportedly left their camp at Teijang in Chandel district and were attempting to cross the area.
Following the intelligence input, security forces established monitoring posts around Shaibol in Tengnoupal district. Additional teams were deployed at nearby Moriengthel and Yangoupokpi to strengthen surveillance and monitor possible movement through the area.
During continuous monitoring, security personnel detected movement along a forest path near Border Pillar 87. The teams moved into the area and detained three individuals. The detained persons were subsequently handed over to the police for further legal action and investigation.
A police official said the three arrested persons were active cadres of the banned People’s Liberation Army (PLA). They were identified as Ningthoujam James Singh alias Bibarel, 21, Kshetrimayum Rustan Singh alias Thoihenba, 25, and a juvenile. The arrests were made by a combined team of Tengnoupal District Police and Assam Rifles from areas near the Myanmar border.
In a separate operation, Assam Rifles and Imphal West Police conducted a search along the Akham–Lamdeng Road in Imphal West district. The search was based on information obtained from previously detained individuals linked to the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK-Pro faction), along with inputs subsequently verified by local sources.
During the operation, the security team located a collection of concealed weapons and other security-related materials. The recovery included two bolt-action rifles, nine 9mm pistols and one Lathode gun. Security personnel also recovered one 36-hand grenade without a safety lever, one stun grenade and one smoke grenade.
In addition, the team seized two rubber anti-riot shells and one smoke anti-riot shell from the location. The recovered arms and materials were formally handed over to Lamsang Police Station for further investigation and necessary legal procedures.
The latest operations highlight continued coordination between Assam Rifles and Manipur Police in areas considered vulnerable to illegal movement and militant activity. Security agencies have been maintaining surveillance along the Myanmar border and conducting intelligence-based operations to identify and detain suspected cadres.
Officials said the joint efforts are aimed at preventing unauthorised movements, recovering illegally stored weapons and ammunition, and maintaining public safety in affected areas. Further investigation is underway into the identities, activities and possible links of the arrested individuals, as well as the source and intended use of the recovered arms and ammunition.
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The operations also underline the role of coordinated intelligence gathering and ground-level surveillance in security measures across Manipur, particularly in border districts and areas where authorities are monitoring suspected militant activity.
