In a series of coordinated raids conducted over the past 48 hours, Manipur Police have arrested 15 insurgents affiliated with various militant outfits across the state.
The crackdown, aimed at curbing extortion and illegal arms activities, has led to significant recoveries, including weapons, mobile phones, and cash.
According to an official statement from Manipur Police, the security situation in the state remains "tense but under control."
The statement noted that extensive search operations and area domination exercises had been carried out across vulnerable regions in both the hill and valley districts.
On 9 March, five active members of the National Revolutionary Front of Manipur (NRFM) were apprehended from Gandhi Avenue, Thangal Bazar, in Imphal West District.
The arrested individuals were identified as Keisham Robertson Meitei (29), Moirangthem Tanu Devi (21), Nameirakpam Rashini Devi (25), Meikam Ichan Chanu (32), and Laishram Menaka Chanu (27).
They were allegedly involved in extortion and the transportation of arms and ammunition.
Security personnel seized a two-wheeler, five mobile phones, and an identification card from their possession.
Additionally, an active NRFM cadre, Laiphrakpam Soniya Devi (24), was arrested from Golapati Masjid Achouba Awang Leirak in Imphal East District.
She was accused of extorting money from the general public, private firms, and government officials. Police recovered a mobile phone and Rs 1,07,260 from her possession.
On the same day, two members of the People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK-Pro) – Chirom Rostam Meitei (25) and Heikrujam Arvind Singh (32) – were arrested from Khongman Nandeibam Leikai, Imphal East.
They were allegedly engaged in extortion, and two mobile phones were recovered from them.
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Three more PREPAK-Pro operatives were arrested near Ima Medhapati School in Heinoupok, Imphal West.
The arrested individuals – Laishram Boboi Meitei (28), Palujam Babu Singh (25), and Yumnam Athoibi Chanu – were allegedly involved in extorting money from civilians, businesses, and government officials. Police recovered three mobile phones from them.
In another operation, Manipur Police arrested Sorokhaibam Inaoton Singh (38), an active member of the Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group), near the RIMS Main Gate in Lamphel.
He was allegedly extorting funds from government officials and the general public in the Imphal area. Another KCP (PWG) operative, Shandham Romen Singh (39), was arrested in Samurou, Imphal West, with eleven demand letters.
Meanwhile, three cadres of the United People’s Party of Kangleipak (UPPK) were taken into custody from Langol Type-II, Imphal West.
Identified as Ngangbam Nishan Meitei (24), Ashangbam Manikanta Singh (37), and Sorokhaibam Nganthoi Singh (23), they were reportedly extorting money through an illegal tribunal system.
Police recovered two four-wheelers and three mobile phones from their possession.
On 8 March, security forces arrested a member of the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), Mohen Takhellambam (29), near Gate No. 2, BP 79, under Moreh Police Station in Tengnoupal District.
To ensure public safety and uninterrupted movement of essential goods, security forces have stepped up vigilance along National Highway 2.
“Strict security measures are being implemented across all vulnerable locations, and a convoy is being provided in sensitive stretches to facilitate the safe movement of vehicles,” police stated.
A total of 109 checkpoints have been set up across various districts, though no fresh detentions were reported for violations.
Authorities have urged the public to refrain from believing in rumours or circulating misleading social media posts. “Appeal is made to the general public not to believe in rumour and be aware of false videos.
Any circulations of unfounded videos etc. may be confirmed from the rumour-free number 9233522822 of the Central Control Room,” the police statement read.
They further warned against the spread of fake social media posts, cautioning that legal action would be taken against those involved. Additionally, police have reiterated calls for the return of looted arms, ammunition, and explosives to security forces at the earliest.
The crackdown follows the imposition of President’s rule in Manipur on 13 February, following a report from the state governor.
As per the notification issued by the Union Home Ministry, legislative powers were transferred to Parliament, effectively suspending the state government’s authority.
Manipur has been grappling with violent unrest since 3 May last year, when clashes erupted following a rally organised by the All Tribal Students’ Union (ATSU) against the demand for the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category.
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