Security Forces Seize 90 Weapons, Arrest Militant Cadres in Manipur

Security forces in Manipur seized a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, comprising 90 weapons and 728 rounds of ammunition, during a coordinated operation in the early hours of Saturday. This operation, conducted by the Manipur Police in collaboration with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), the Army, and the Assam Rifles, targeted multiple districts in the valley region based on actionable intelligence.

According to senior officers from the Manipur Police, the operation took place across several districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur. The police described the joint effort as a significant achievement in their ongoing campaign to dismantle illegal armed networks and restore public order. “The coordinated effort led to the recovery of a massive cache of arms, explosives, and communication equipment,” they stated.

Details of the Seized Arms and Explosives

The recovered weapons included three AK-series rifles, one M16 rifle, an Insas light machine gun, five Insas rifles, four self-loading rifles, seven .303 rifles, 20 pistols, four carbines, and various other firearms, along with 21 grenades, one high-explosive mortar shell, nine tube launchers, and six improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Additionally, the operation yielded 21 assorted magazines and 24 wireless handsets, all of which are believed to be linked to illegal activities in the region.

Police officials emphasized that these actions are part of a sustained, intelligence-driven strategy aimed at curbing unrest and enhancing public safety in the conflict-prone valley. They reiterated their commitment to ensuring long-term peace in Manipur.

Arrests of Militant Cadres

In related developments, security forces arrested three active members of banned militant outfits during operations conducted on March 14 and 15, 2024. On March 14, a member of the Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group), identified as Sorokhaibam Inaocha Singh alias Romesh, aged 47, was apprehended at his residence in Salam Mamang Leikai, located in the Imphal West district. Authorities allege that he was involved in organized extortion campaigns throughout the region.

On March 15, security personnel captured a female cadre of the Revolutionary People’s Front/People’s Liberation Army, identified as Oinam Ranjita Devi alias Erai Leima, aged 38, at her home in Oinam Sawombung Mayai Leikai, Thoubal district. Intelligence reports suggest that she was engaged in extorting money from educational institutions, local businesses, and transport associations.

On the same day, another RPF/PLA member, Ahanthem Surjit Singh, aged 29, was arrested in the Leirongthel Pitra area of Thoubal district. He is reportedly linked to monetary extortion and recruitment of new militants, as well as issuing threats to residents and business owners in the area. All three individuals are currently in custody as investigations continue.

The operations in Manipur underscore the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in their efforts to combat illegal arms and militant activities in the region. The coordinated actions reflect a broader strategy to enhance public safety and maintain order in areas affected by conflict.